I FELT SO SAD AFTER THE ELECTION
I HAD HOPED FOR UNDESERVED MERCY
BUT IT SEEMS GOD HAS CHOSEN TO REMOVE HIS HEDGE OF PROTECTION
TO SHAKE OUR WORLD
BUT LET US REMEMBER THAT THOUGH HE SAID HE WOULD SHAKE OUR WORLD
HE TOLD US TO BE GRATEFUL THAT WE ARE RECEIVING
A KINGDOM THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN
I want to make it VERY CLEAR that I do not equate being a Christian with being a Republican. There is plenty wrong in both parties. We had a hard choice, as we have had for past elections. My husband Steve voted absentee the day before he died — his choice was between Bush and Kerry — and he was too weak to fill out the ballot himself. His best friend, David Wiebe, a Mennonite and a strong pacifist, filled out the ballot for him. Steve was a pacifist too, so he was hesitant to vote for Bush who had a strong tendency to choose war as a first response. But he told David he simply could not vote for Kerry who was so against protecting life in the unborn and the elderly. I was coming down the hall to our bedroom carrying tea, when I heard this conversation:
“You want me to mark your ballot for Bush? Really, brother?” asked David.
“Yes,” Steve said weakly.
David, in anguish and in strong disagreement, marked Steve’s ballot for Bush. When I came in they were in a poignant embrace — a David and Jonathan, trusting in God, loving in disagreement, and so saddened by their parting.
So please know that though you and I may have voted differently, I do know we did not have a good choice. Sin runs through both parties, and our trust cannot be in any man.
Our trust must be in God and in His sovereignty. For His good reasons, the shaking of our world seems to be increasing:
Where once natural disasters seemed rare in our country, they are common.
Where once we felt immune from attack, we are no longer.
Where once politicians restrained themselves from slander and name-calling — now it is the norm.
Where once traditional marriage and the unborn were valued, they are no longer.
The Lion of Judah is roaring, and it would be easy for our hearts to fail, as did the heart of Habbakuk. I woke up after the election thinking of Habakkuk, and that is where I want to take us next week, for it is the place we need to go this Thanksgiving. But before we take a break from Hebrews over the holidays, this sermon from Keller on an unshakeable kingdom seemed perfect for such a time as this. May it strengthen your heart and soul, my dear sisters. We need to be fortify our souls for what is ahead, and to hold onto a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. How did you feel after the election? Why? (I realize this could be Pandora’s Box, but I’m trusting you will express your view in love — and we can also listen and respond to one another in love.)
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study
For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.
3. Read Hebrews 12:18-21
When the Law was given, how does the author of Hebrews describe the sight and the feelings the people had when they approached the mountain?
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and to innumerable angels in festal gathering.
4. Read Hebrews 12:22-24
A. Describe our real home, (vs. 22) because of the New Covenant, because of the blood of Jesus:
B. Meditate and comment on each of these descriptions of yourself:
1) You are part of the church of the “firstborn” (Keller will help if you don’t know)
2) You are enrolled in heaven
3) You are being made perfect
C. Challenge question: What did the blood of Abel cry out for and why is the cry of the blood of Christ better?
5. Read Hebrews 12:25-29
A. Why must we not refuse Christ? (vs. 25)
B. What, according to verses 26-27 did God say He was going to do and why?
C. When Luci Shaw’s husband died she said, “Pain has a refining work to do in me — showing me what is eternal and what is not.”
How has pain done that in your life? Be specific with your illustration.
D. What promise do we have in verse 28a? How is this impacting you right now?
E. What command do we have in verse 28b? What reason is given in verse 29?
Thursday-Friday:
Sermon This is part of your Hebrews sermon pack or you can purchase it individually. It is called Shaker of the Earth. Here is the link
6. It is so easy to build our foundation on a political leader, a pastor, or our identity as being smart, pretty, talented, or wealthy. Be honest and share where you can tend to find your confidence.
7. When the disciples came back from casting out demons, they were pumped at their power. What does Jesus tell them in Luke 10:30?
8. What similarity did Keller see between the shaking mountain of Mt. Sinai and Calvary — and why?
9. Share any sermon notes here:
Saturday
10. What is your take-a-way and why?
314 comments
B. Meditate and comment on each of these descriptions of yourself:
1) You are part of the church of the “firstborn” (Keller will help if you don’t know)
The church or Body of Believers. I prefer to use the phrase ” Body of Believers” because ” the church” sounds more of a representation of only one denomination when in fact we are ” diverse”.
2) You are enrolled in heaven
The writer is saying you ” believer” have entered into a spiritual type of citizenship ” city of the Living God
How to get this citizenship is through the covenant of God made possible by the shedding of innocent Blood at Calvary.
3) You are being made perfect
The cleansing of our sins through Blood is what perfects us! Acknowledging sin, asking for forgiveness and having it washed away is what cleanses us.
Please remember me in prayer.
My mind has found no peace this week.
And I am back to my smoking at night habit.
Going to try to fast today and go back to the herbal tea at night remedy I use when I have the urge to smoke.
praying right now Laura Marie–and will pray tonight too–thank you for sharing with us so we can pray
praying Laura Marie
Laura Marie, I am thinking of you and praying for you now. I’ve heard there is nothing worse than trying to quit smoking…please know that I will continue to pray for you, Dear Sister of ours.
(It’s actually 12:43 am here, now)
Thanks for prayers for my sister’s husband. They kept him in coronary care last night so they could closely watch him. His left lower lung is collapsed at the base. They are sure it is from a fatty embolism that happened during his surgery. They are going to re-check and do a chest x-ray this morning before they decide if he can be moved out of the unit to the orthopedic floor.
Many of you are in my thoughts and in my prayers as well – Joyce, Diane and Krista and family, Mellany, Elizabeth, Laura-dancer and her mom, Laura Marie, Chris and your friend’s son, Isaac. Thankful we can pray for each other.
I am quite behind as well this week. Have been reading a book by Rose Marie Miller where she talks about living like a spiritual “orphan” – I think it is the same idea as Dee has stated when I live “like a woman without a Savior”. A lot this week I have felt like a character in Walter Wangerin Jr.’s story “Ragman” – lugging around a heavy garbage bag filled with sin and guilt, even though I know Jesus wants to take my burden from me.
2. How did you feel after the election? Why?
Okay – honestly, like life will go on. I wasn’t really enthusiastic about either candidate, I often wondered that out of a country this size, where are all the good/great men hiding? Men of stature like Abraham Lincoln.
I am sure that Romney is a “good” man who values what Christians value. One thing that made me uneasy, though, was that I read that on one evangelical website, where they had information about the Mormon religion and had identified it as a cult, or not lining up with the gospel of the Bible, this website had “scrubbed” all of that off of their website.
It bothered me because I thought – so it’s apparently okay to compromise the truths of the gospel for the sake of politics and to endorse this candidate? I don’t think one can compromise on the gospel.
As far as President Obama, Yes, we must pray for him and respect him as our country’s leader.
Susan, I felt a lot like you did about both candidates not being what we truly needed for our country. Loved your thoughts.
Also, I am praying that you can let Jesus takes all your burdens from you. Christ is there waiting for you to give him all your sins and quilt, he wants to take it all from you and ease your heavy load.
Good sharing from your reading.
I think there were good men in the primaries but our country didn’t want them enough to get behind them.
3. Read Hebrews 12:18-21
When the Law was given, how does the author of Hebrews describe the sight and the feelings the people had when they approached the mountain?
a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. Terrifying
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and to innumerable angels in festal gathering.
4. Read Hebrews 12:22-24
A. Describe our real home, (vs. 22) because of the New Covenant, because of the blood of Jesus:
City of the living God, a festive gathering of innumerable angels
B. Meditate and comment on each of these descriptions of yourself:
1) You are part of the church of the “firstborn” (Keller will help if you don’t know)
Followers of Jesus – heirs of heaven and joint heirs with Jesus Christ because of Jesus’ blood
2) You are enrolled in heaven
Our names are written in heaven
3) You are being made perfect
Because of Jesus’ remedy, we are being healed, made whole. It is an awesome thing. While our bodies are wasting away, our spirits are being renewed day by day. Reminds me of the following verse:
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
C. Challenge question: What did the blood of Abel cry out for and why is the cry of the blood of Christ better?
The blood of Abel cried out for justice. The blood of Christ cries out for justice and fulfills justice, so it is fully sufficient to fulfill the justice and holiness of God’s judgment on mankind for sin.
5. Read Hebrews 12:25-29
A. Why must we not refuse Christ? (vs. 25)
“For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.”
We will not escape if we refuse him.
B. What, according to verses 26-27 did God say He was going to do and why?
“He has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.”
God is going to shake the earth and the heavens to remove the perishable things so that only the eternal things will remain.
Thank you, Diane, for reminding me of this wondeful verse Corinthians 4:16
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Love that and I can feel myself doing that, day by day.
Love this too…God is going to shake the earth and the heavens to remove the perishable things so that only the eternal things will remain. PTL!
Diane — I see you pressing in in the midst of your pain. And I’m thankful for that.
D. What promise do we have in verse 28a? How is this impacting you right now?
We are receiving a kingdom that CANNOT be shaken!
Everything in this world, everything we have ever known, CAN be shaken. We can lose our money, health, love ones. Relationships fall apart. People often say ‘in this life, there are no guarantees’…but this truth we are given IS a guarantee. He has promised to give us a kingdom unlike anything we have ever known—one that cannot be torn apart, turned upside down, lost, or broken. How does that impact me? It is the door of Hope for me.
E. What command do we have in verse 28b? What reason is given in verse 29?
Be thankful. And show God the reverence and awe He deserves. Because He is a consuming fire. Consuming—He wants all of us, all our devotion—He is jealous for our love Fire—He is our all powerful, light-giving provider. I’m just thinking through this as I type…but a fire takes in all in its surroundings—all that touches the fire is consumed by it, taken in, becomes part of the fire…
Oh Yes, Lord; Consume all of me!
Loved your comments so much, Elizabeth
C. When Luci Shaw’s husband died she said, “Pain has a refining work to do in me — showing me what is eternal and what is not.”
How has pain done that in your life? Be specific with your illustration.
Right now, God has put a lot of emotional pain in my life with the emotional health of my daughter being at a low ebb and with that her marriage breakdown. Her husband has thrown her out because he does not trust her with her three children. I am very worried how my daughter will support herself and how long it will take for her to regain some kind of emotional stability, as well as fear that she will lose custody of her boys (ages 6, 4, and 2). Her husband is being difficult, setting all kinds of limits on her visits with the boys. Right now she is living in a tiny apartment with my bachelor son.
How is this refining me? It is making me see that I am a controller. I want things to go MY way. I have a hard job stepping back and letting God have control and letting others make decisions that I might not agree with. So God is opening my eyes to my control idol yet again.
Also, I have an approval idol. I am in distress when I think others might not approve of me or of my children.
Furthermore, I love the security of wanting everything to be calm and undramatic – happy marriages, happy children, no anger or fights and so on. But life has not been like that for the last couple of months and this is very stressful for me.
Daily, sometimes even moment by moment I have to keep repenting of my worry and continually refocusing on God and trusting him to have it all in control.
D. What promise do we have in verse 28a? How is this impacting you right now?
28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe
The promise is that we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
This reminds me of the song that says, “when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Worship and praise has been particularly comforting to me in the midst of this shaking ground. It helps me believe that there is a better future than what appears right now.
E. What command do we have in verse 28b? What reason is given in verse 29?
We need to offer worship with holy reverence and awe for our God is a consuming fire, a most holy God, deserving all our worship and more.
Diane–I read this with tears. All that you have shared here–oh, I just cannot imagine the intense pain you must be going through–to watch your daughter suffer so. You have been stripped bare. You stay on my heart daily and I will continue to pray–for healing for Krista, protection for the boys, for her husband, and you. This burden is too great–I pray you will let Him carry you. I am so so sorry Diane. So thankful you are here.
I am glad you are here with us Diane, that you plugged in before this storm hit. I am sure this was Providence for you.
I can relate too so much of what you shared, I have been burdened for one of my children is particular, but also somewhat frightened to pray too hard for him, that more pain will be what is required before change will surface, and concerned about how our family appears to those whose opinion matters to me.
Jesus knows all and His is the only opinion that really matters
I have not been posting too much recently, but have been reading and praying, I have thought of you and Krista when I have awakened in the night, the image of her singing Laura Story’s song Blessings, and now her troubled path. I will continue to pray for her, for you and for her husbands heart to be softened toward her, I have asked God to show himself mighty on behalf of all of you
Yes, I am so glad that I was “plugged in” here before this storm hit. I will pray for your child that you are burdened about. Do not be afraid to trust him to the Lord. God is gentle and knows what He is doing, even if we do not feel that way while we are going through the storm.
Dear Diane, I am writing this with tears in my eyes. Please don’t criticize yourself…you are a wonderful mother to your children. Oh how I would have loved to have a mother like you, that prayed for me. I do feel so heartbroken for Krista and her precious little boys. I pray earnestly for her and her boys and you and all your family, and for Krista’s husband to love and forgive her. Love you, sweet sister.
Thanks, elizabeth, Chris, and Joyce, for your tears, sympathy and prayers. Sometimes when I write stuff on the blog, I wonder if I should press “submit” because it sounds so melodramatic. I don’t know why all this is happening and I so need God’s wisdom and your prayers.
Diane–I only have a second, and am not sure the right wording, but this has been on my heart–I am just thankful that you have been so honest about all of this. We have a similar situation in my family (older sibling) and I just think you are being incredibly “brave” to not hide in denial or try to mask any of this–I know your strength to face it in the light comes from Christ alone–and that brings great hope to this situation. Keeping you in my daily prayers~
Thanks, Elizabeth. It is interesting what you say about not being in denial or trying to mask it. Sometimes hiding seems the “right thing to do” but in the end it would just do more damage I think – in terms of shame and guilt. There is a lot of people who are uncomfortable talking about mental health issues, but that just makes it worse, I think.
Yes–you are so wise, Diane–and I think that is rare in these hard situations–to know while you’re in it that to try to down-play or deny would only lead to much more pain and destruction. Healing comes when we expose our wounds…when we walk in the Light. Amazing how the Truths of Scripture apply to all areas of our life. Much love to you, your husband, Krista, the boys, her husband…oh how I am praying for miracle healing in this season on Hope!
You have our prayers, Diane
Lifting Krista up in prayer !
Unfortunately I understand all to well about mental health issues. I have a father who inherited bi-polar from his father and passed along that generational curse to my brother , not to mention I and ever sibling struggle with a type of emtional disorder .
But the weapons of our warfare can not be seen and the mind is the battlefield. Which why the “helmet of salvation” must be worn as well the caring the “sword” which is the Word of God.
I empathize with Krista. And she very much in my prayers.
Thanks, Laura Marie. Krista has just been diagnosed with “generalized anxiety disorder” with depression. It requires medication plus counselling. She is on medication but it does not seem to be working yet anyway. I need to learn more about it.
It takes time for all the medication to help…so glad they have a diagnosis…so they can start helping her get better:)
3. When the Law was given, how does the author of Hebrews describe the sight and the feelings the people had when they approached the mountain?
The people approached with great trepidation…God was distant, threatening, and fear producing.
4. A. Describe our real home, (vs. 22) because of the New Covenant, because of the blood of Jesus:
Our real home is a “joyful gathering” place…a place of love, forgiveness, and peace. A place where our transformation will be completed.
B. Meditate and comment on each of these descriptions of yourself:
1) You are part of the church of the “firstborn” (Keller will help if you don’t know)
Jesus redeemed and made me His adopted sibling…I am a child of God.
2) You are enrolled in heaven
Jesus has prepared a place in His Father’s home for me…because of Jesus’ sacrifice to redeem me from my sin, my destination is heaven.
3) You are being made perfect
The Holy Spirit is working in my heart and mind…Jesus loves me too much to leave me as I am; He is working to transform me into His perfection.
C. Challenge question: What did the blood of Abel cry out for and why is the cry of the blood of Christ better?
The blood of Abel cried out for vengeance…the blood of Jesus demands justice, seeks forgiveness, and provides new life free of sin and corruption.
5. A. Why must we not refuse Christ? (vs. 25)
If we turn away from Jesus, Jesus’ saving power will be gone…we will be on our own which is destination hell.
B. What, according to verses 26-27 did God say He was going to do and why?
God is going to shake both the heavens and earth so that all that will be left is what is unshakeable.
C. When Luci Shaw’s husband died she said, “Pain has a refining work to do in me — showing me what is eternal and what is not.” How has pain done that in your life? Be specific with your illustration.
I had an immense amount of respect and confidence in a pastor; he brought understanding of God and His word that I hadn’t experienced previously. I thoroughly enjoyed his sermons and thought him a gifted preacher/teacher; I trusted him for spiritual direction. I allowed my heart and mind to overlook shortcomings…manipulations, deceptions, need for control, and self-interest. When circumstances presented themselves where I was on the receiving end of these “shortcomings,” it was devastating. Much of what I considered my spiritual life was lost to me…no more church “family”, no more church “home”, loss of trust in leadership, loss of livelihood. To a large extent, my dependence was more on this pastor than the Lord; this erroneous dependence was smashed to pieces. I see the value of this difficult experience…occasionally I find myself reverting to judgment and resentment, but more times than not, I am grateful for what I learned and how my faith grew. I am grateful, the situation brought me closer to the Lord and made me largely dependent upon Him. I have come to a greater understanding and forgiveness realizing that as I have heart idols I am dealing with, the pastor does as well and he may very well not even be aware of them and be a prime target for the evil one. My heart has become more compassionate.
D. What promise do we have in verse 28a? How is this impacting you right now?
We are receiving a kingdom that is unshakeable. Regardless of today, I know how the story ends…God is in charge and good wins.
E. What command do we have in verse 28b? What reason is given in verse 29?
Be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.
“God is a devouring fire”…God will consume/destroy all that is sinful.
Nanci when I read your statement about your heart having become more compassionate, my thought was that you must have become more like Jesus;
2 Corinthians 3
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Thanks for the encouragement…I pray it is so.
Nancy, I feel your pain, especially because I once felt so compassionate for a pastor, like that also, back in the early 90’s. And I know you know, who I mean, Dee.
I was so shocked when the elders and other’s made this pastor leave. He was the senior pastor of our town and so loved. It caused a hugh division in our church, where people by the hundreds left the church. I never really understood why they made him leave, but I was so heartbroken over it, I have never found another church home that I loved, like I did that one.
This pastor stopped everything and came over on a scooter, to pray with my 8 year old daughter, when she wanted to give her heart to the Lord. He dedicated Kendra to the Lord when she was a baby. He joined my husband and I in marriage and counceled us beforehand. He was there for illness’s and hospital stays and funeral’s of loved one’s. And then one day, he’s gone..kicked out like a criminal. His sermom’s were from his heart and I learnt so much from him. What a shame he no longer preached after that..and sold insurance instead. Talk about pain and humiliation..that man must of felt. I felt it for him, too. I’m sure the pain of that time, drew all of us closer to the Lord.
I’m sorry I got off on that, Nancy. You are very compassionate and loving. So glad you are here, dear sister
Thank you for sharing about your pain as a result of trusting too much in your pastor. That must have been so hard for you. It is wonderful how God has taught you forgiveness and compassion as a result of this devastating experience.
Wow — Nanci — I know your story could be told by so many, but you responded with a teachable heart and are an example. You put your trust back in the Rock and have become more compassionate, having seen your own heart idols. Thank you so much.
Thank you ladies…this bible study blog is a true blessing to me…I’m so grateful the Lord directed me to you all.
I’m so grateful He directed you here too! You truly are such a voice of wisdom and blessing here Nanci
Nanci–what’s incredible to me in your example (C), is that instead of letting that one instance harden you against church, or Christianity, as Dee said, your teachable heart allowed you to see your misplaced trust–and as you said, the Lord used it then to draw you nearer to Him. Really great example of how if we let Him, He will use our pain for His purpose and glory, for our “beauty treatment” (not sure if you heard that Keller sermon!)
I’m about 1/3 of the way through the Shaker of the Earth Keller sermon; I will finish it tomorrow morning. Is the “use of our pain for His purpose and glory” in the Shaker of the Earth sermon or a different one? I am really taken with Keller’s sermons; they bring me such an understanding of God’s word…really make me ponder what is being said in a perspective often “outside of my box”. I downloaded other sermons and have really benefited from listening and re-listening to them (A Christian’s Happiness is a favorite) .I’m going to see if he might have a collection specifically for advent/Christmas which would really be a treat.
Nanci–the Keller sermon I was thinking of is called The Silent Sovereignty of God-on Esther 2:5-10; 16-23.
Keller referred to our suffering as a ‘spiritual beauty treatment’. Here’s a bit from my notes that your comment made me think of:
“Suffering refines me. Once I am really assured of God’s love, when I then go through trials and suffering, it will actually refines me. It is a spiritual beauty treatment. When I go through suffering with absolute assurance that I am beautiful to Him, I become a diamond in my heart. Esther’s banquet is nothing compared to the ultimate banquet we will have with Him.”
Thanks, Elizabeth…I’ll look for it in the Redeemer Sermon Store.
B. Meditate and comment on each of these descriptions of yourself:
1) You are part of the church of the “firstborn” (Keller will help if you don’t know) – Church to me is like another whole family that may believe the same way I do more than my own blood family does so I’m part of Jesus’ family
2) You are enrolled in heaven – My tuition has been paid (at the cross) by Jesus which entitles me to get into heaven.
3) You are being made perfect – I am a construction site and Jesus is my contractor working on me day and night to bring me to completion so my life will flow better.
5. Read Hebrews 12:25-29
A. Why must we not refuse Christ? (vs. 25)
That would be a bad thing. However I think I must have missed something as I found myself wondering why it is worse to reject Christ when He speaks from heaven as opposed to when He was here on earth.
B. What, according to verses 26-27 did God say He was going to do and why? God is going to shake the earth through a sieve. I am guessing that those who didn’t fall through are the ones still standing at the end and will receive the kingdom.
C. When Luci Shaw’s husband died she said, “Pain has a refining work to do in me — showing me what is eternal and what is not.”
How has pain done that in your life? Be specific with your illustration.
This is a hard one to articulate as I can think of a number of painful times. However a recent one comes to mind. I am a single mom, have been for a very long time. God has blessed me with a good job that allows me to provide for my children, however this past summer He took my work away. I had always assumed that God would always provide work for me so that I could provide and when He took it away I was out of sorts. As much as I tried to not worry about it, I knew that my finances would not hold up indefinitely. There was one day, I walked down to the river and sat beside it and listened to “Word of God Speak” by MercyMe, over and over and just stared at the sky. I was really at peace sitting there, just resting in His grace. At that moment (or for those few hours), the things of earth grew dim and were really irrelevant to what I really needed then, at that moment I didn’t need a job, I needed Him. He recently allowed me short term work until January which I am grateful for, but if I didn’t have to work, I was more content sitting by the river talking with Him and resting in His mercy.
D. What promise do we have in verse 28a? How is this impacting you right now? We are receiving the kingdom that cannot be shaken. I am trying to keep my focus on Him as I know that no matter what is going on around me, as long as my eye is on Him, my confidence in my relationship to Him is there too.
E. What command do we have in verse 28b? What reason is given in verse 29? We are to offer God acceptable worship as God is a consuming fire.
Mary, I loved to sit by the river with you, resting in his mercy! Oh what a beautiful picture that is. And oh, how you have had to totally rely on God. Sometimes he has to take everything away from us, in order for us to really see him. Praying for a wonderful, secure job for you, sweet sister!
Mary, what a beautiful testimony. Praying for you as you seek a secure job and try to trust in Him in the midst of financial insecurity for you and your children.
Great testimony, Mary.
Are you still looking for work — we can pray!
Oh dear, I think I perhaps I left an impression that I should not have, my children are not little ones (actually they are now both taller than I am). One of my children is really an adult and the other is close to it, however they both rely quite heavily on my job. My daughter is a missionary and I provide more than half of her support. My son is in High School, but has a disability so is in a specialized program, which costs. When I have work they are taken care of, when I don’t have work it seriously impacts their lives too. When I was out of work I realized that the only real reason I cared that I wasn’t working was for them. If I was on my own without the responsibility to provide for them I wouldn’t care nearly as much about losing stuff like my house. God really used your book Idol Lies to “whap me upside the head” about where my focus was and where it ought to be, it was after I needed to digest some of the chapters that I went down to sit at the river. The “whap” was really needed so I do appreciate your words.
The contract that I have right now terminates on January 15th, so I am hoping for another job after that. I do think that the work I have right now is just to make ends meet while He is preparing my next job.
I would totally appreciate prayer, I haven’t really connected with anyone or small group at our church so having a prayer support network is something that I would really, really be grateful for. My request would be for:
1. the next job to be the right one and be ready for me in January.
My other prayer request (if that’s okay) would be
2. for God to give my daughter a broader base of supporters so that she doesn’t rely so heavily on mom. Oh she is a dancer/teacher/choreographer with YWAM (Youth with a Mission). She has a great deal of trouble raising support as most people she talks to don’t see a dancer as being a missionary…even though part of what she teaches is worship through dance and for dancers to express their love of the Lord through their movement.
3. for my son’s salvation and for him to follow the Lord, with a developmental disability he has difficulty understanding things he can’t see or touch. He does not have a godly male role model in his life, or godly friends to influence and encourage him to lead the life that God wants of him.
Thank you so much for praying for my little quirky family, it is difficult to express how much I really do appreciate the offer of prayer.
Oops, I just realized that my request 2 could be misinterpreted. I am not asking for anyone here to be one of her supporters and I do apologize if anyone was wondering that. I was only asking for prayer for God to line up who ever He has in mind.
I am sorry, I have this nasty habit of what’s in my mind doesn’t necessarily translate into what I actually meant on paper.
I still really appreciate your prayers…and thank you.
Mary,
I didn’t misinterpret your request, too, but I did smile when I read “I have this nasty habit of what’s in my mind doesn’t necessarily translate into what I actually meant on paper.” Do I ever understand that!!! (happens to me even when I have read it again before I hit “submit” or “send”)
Mary, I will be praying for your daughter and son and for you..for that special job that we want the Lord to provide for you. I knew you weren’t asking for us to donate to your daughter, but if we would like to, would that be possible?
Thank you so much for sharing with us. It helps us to know you better. I do remember when you first joined and you did share about your kids some then too.
I will be praying for you and your kids!
I am thankful for the response to my post. My emotions kinda flowed when I read the responses. The grace that I felt from the replies really warmed my heart. It has been a while (too long) since I have felt real acceptance in love and grace from a group, thank you so much as I really am having a hard time expressing in words how I feel.
My daughter would be overwhelmed if she knew a group of people who didn’t know her started praying for her, so thank you so much.
Rather than me trying to share a bunch of info I thought it would be easier just to provide the link to her blog so you can see who she is before you make any decisions. If you still wish to support her, then you can contact her directly for the details. I just checked her blog and she does have a tab on her prayer requests and needs, but to let you know I had some points that I had forgotten about and was able to take care of her flights all the way back (with a detour home for Christmas) to Kona.
The link to her blog is http://crystaljshearer.blogspot.ca/
Thank you so much for your prayers for her.
Mary — I so identify with a broader base of supporters. We had the when our Annie was with YWAM for five years. She hated asking for support. So I will pray for that for your daughter! And for a new job in the new year and for your son’s salvation.
Praying…
Thank you so much. My daughter too has a great difficulty asking for support and she does get discouraged in the process so thank you.
I do know that my daughter is in His hands and He has her on a journey, which I suspect will strengthen her faith. My son has really strengthened my prayer life, as the only thing I can do is run to our Father, otherwise I reduce to a bumbling mess of tears. I so appreciate others lifting my son up in prayer as well, and his name is Hunter. I do honestly think that God has a plan for him, I do not yet know what that is, but his lack of interest is really troubling to me.
Thank you again for praying for us.
Mary–praying now for a job, your son’s salvation and your daughter’s support. Did you know our Laura-dancer is a liturgical dancer? Just thought that was a neat connection reading that you daughter teaches worship dance in her mission work.
thank you, I did suspect that when I saw “dancer” that Laura was also another dancer. I also find it interesting that the Church has had time of negative views of dancing and that God has been raising up dancers all over the world who are using the gift that God has given them and returning it too him in praise and worship with their dances.
I can just imagine Him on His throne when His children dance for Him, enjoying every moment of it.
Good question for A “However I think I must have missed something as I found myself wondering why it is worse to reject Christ when He speaks from heaven as opposed to when He was here on earth.”
I dunno!
So, Dee, what is the answer????
Renee — going to answer below for you and Mary
Mary — going to answer below for you and Renee to your question to A
5.
D. What promise do we have in verse 28a? How is this impacting you right now?
We are receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken. It humbles me-looking at Him and His unmerited favor toward me-That He would rescue me from this pit and set my feet on a rock and give me Faith and hope while living in this shakeable kingdom-What blows me away is that he is using this shakeable kingdom to groom me for His unshakeable Kingdom in the future-inside this makes me fall on my knees in wonder and awe-I am so grateful He wanted me and loves me.
E. What command do we have in verse 28b? What reason is given in verse 29?
To be thankful and to worship God with reverence and awe. Because He is a consuming fire..
I think of being all in-He consumes me-all of me-not just some of me but He wants to consume all of me and He is consuming me now as He purifies me for the future-but in the future He will have all of me-there will be no idols-no rocks in the stream, for he will have removed the idols from my lips.
Rebecca, you have put into words what I have been sensing about how God is working in my life when you say,
“What blows me away is that he is using this shakeable kingdom to groom me for His unshakeable Kingdom in the future-inside this makes me fall on my knees in wonder and awe-I am so grateful He wanted me and loves me.”
Despite my confusion and pain, I have had the sense that God is up to something very important in my life and the lives of my loved ones. He is preparing me. We can know this because God never wastes a pain. It also fills me with wonder and awe and gratitude.
Would love your prayers today — doing a mini-retreat at my house today for leaders in this area and will be on an internet show at 4 Eastern time 3 Central — you can listen — but mostly I want you to pray!
Thanks
http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired/articles/4420
wow! got it down–will be praying!
Praying right now, Dee!
Praying all went well…sorry I’m late
How were retreat and internet show?
Both went well — thanks so much for praying!
Good. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer.
I’m stumped by knowing how to respond to some of these questions. I’m in a time zone 2 hours “off” and have been thinking about these questions for the last few hours (again). It’s hard to know what to write, not because I can’t think of any pain (!) or what’s shakeable/unshakeable, but because this whole concept describes my identity.
I was “all shook up”(should I post link to Elvis?) a long time ago and the shakings since that time have seemed more like aftershock tremors following a large and devastating earthquake. The tremors shake loose some things and are a reminder not to rely on what is temporary and fragile. The big earthquake ultimately shook loose some things which might have been more destructive if they had occurred later in life (easier to lose hope of income when you haven’t had much in the first place!!).
Lesson #1: Don’t accept help from the government (blew that before I was 18). Recently, I learned that Social Security is the largest children’s program in the nation — I was a beneficiary because my dad (who had paid into social security) died when I was a minor.
Lesson #2: Don’t put hope in husband. They die!
Lesson #3: Be a “good Christian,”(trust and obey, and fellowship with other Christians) work hard, follow rules, use smarts, go to college, exercise and eat right = health and enough income to survive. (This didn’t work)
Lesson #4: Can never be “good enough” Christian. Trying to be better led to overcommitment, burn-out. CONTROLLING health/exercise contributed to eating disorder. Depression (already in the family history) kicked in.
LONG lesson #5: NO effective treatment depression (for years). Lengthy, somewhat frequent hospitalizations = temp jobs and school drop out (or in and out of school). Couldn’t trust intelligence or health (too depressed for brain to always work effectively). Difficult-to-treat depression led to implication from one counselor and church that problem must have been with family. Therefore, I distanced myself from family. This was the era of the “repressed memories” popularity in pop psychology. Therapy helped me cope with depression, remain faithful to God, and think more accurately, but it didn’t help lift the depression.
So: No security in health, job, income, intelligence or family. Could trust church, friends, health insurance, and control of weight. Church, prayers of Christians were wonderful, and I trusted TOO much. I leaned into God; life seemed hopeless and couldn’t even imagine getting through more than the next 5 minutes. A day at a time??? How about a minute at a time? I lived that way for years — by being saturated in Christian music and Scripture that I had memorized (couldn’t always concentrate to read) and some hospitalizations, either for self-protection or monitoring medications. Told men I couldn’t date long-term (although didn’t say why).
FINALLY: Medication of last resort provides some hint of hope, but with severe side effects. Other things going on simultaneously: fighting, divisions developing in church. Alliances in church fraught with gossip (did’t know who to trust). Dreams for missions/ministry died because I didn’t fit the mold. Side effects of medication: weight gain (good for challenging eating disorder, but couldn’t trust in control of appearance), nightmares (didn’t know they were from meds — SO nightmares must’ve been demonic), probably was not safe for me to have children because of all the meds.
Lesson #6 (short version): Definitely couldn’t trust church (eventually doctor told me I had to leave because my health was being destroyed). Some professionals from church would’ve lost jobs if I “tattled” on lack of confidentiality, but I was too scared of repercussions at church. Couldn’t trust some friends. Couldn’t find job with health insurance (NEEDed health insurance!); no jobs even at McDonald’s. BUT, I could keep health insurance if I was a student.
I moved, went back to school, but definitely was NOT motivated by wealth, success or achievement (note: I don’t recommend telling professors who think they are prestigious that you are in school because you “have nothing better to do!” The era between the onset of depression and moving lasted 10 years; my very worst days during the past decade (even ones that included episodes of depression and seasons of grief) are better than the best minutes I had during that decade. But at the time, hints of relief seemed pretty good, and I didn’t have the perspective to realize just HOW bad life was. All I had was God — and health insurance! (and a great psychiatrist who had moved before I moved).
After I moved, the stress-induced physical problems (e.g., TMJ disorder) disappeared. I had a job and scholarships when I was in school and was able to remain on out-of-state health insurance by being a student. During that time, I slowly began to trust in some Christians, enjoy being in church fellowships, and rebuild some relationships with family. I also went off the med that caused me to gain 100 pounds (half of weight fell off immediately). Eventually, better medications came out.
I had two health insurance policies when I first moved here — wasn’t sure if job would last. I still (not very often) experience episodes of deep depression — they seem to hit when everything is great, and I can tell by the way my body feels if one is coming (the hard part was when a physician wouldn’t believe me for months). It feels very different from the depression I experience from grief or stressful circumstances. The most helpful mental health professionals weren’t Christians, but I had such a strong Christian foundation, as well as many people praying for me, that I filtered/questioned what I learned through Scripture.
If I seem mysterious on here 🙂 most of the mystery is related to what I just wrote (and didn’t write) above! It has impacted my view of EVERYTHING. I primarily trusted in God (couldn’t trust most other people, things or myself), but most of my adult life has been structured around how I can maintain health insurance. Yesterday, I attended a conference session (when I couldn’t find the one I set out to attend!) on policy. The strengths and problems of the Affordable Care Act were examined. What struck me is that I no longer am a “pre-existing condition.”
I also was intrigued that I was exposed to a bunch of people who, though they differed politically, came together to discuss how to solve problems, how to keep the good parts of legislation and fix the bad, how to look at history to understand the values underlying policies that have been in place for awhile. I still am “gun-shy” of some Christians (which is the main reason I hold back when posting online), and the post-election FB rants have been magnifying that. The good news is that I know enough about policy and dig deep enough so that I can separate the “grain of truth” from distortions. I don’t like the “grain of truth” any better than those who posted a bigger (untrue/distorted) picture on FB, but I also don’t like the lies that are associated with the “grain of truth.” When I dig deep, I see that both parties got us into this mess — and that’s not just “lip-service.” I see that BOTH are equally to blame.
I feel like screaming “read the legislation, look at who passed it, understand how policy-making works before spreading rumors.” When I read (cuz I don’t see on TV) that “the mainstream media doesn’t cover…” but I already have read the same thing under “top news” on my ABC News smart phone app, or when I read “the Obama admin is…” and I know the policy is something that was negotiated, even proposed by conservative lawmakers supporting farm programs, I’m at a loss on how to respond. There are lies on both sides of the aisle, and plenty are promoted by people who are Christians. We may be able to have a sane conversation face-to-face, but FB/online sources are impacting me in an area in which I am vulnerable (I keep hearing this voice “You can’t trust Christians”).
I am WAY more shaken by some Christian responses to the election than I am to the election results themselves. Any foundation I may have had in gov’t went away during the Reagan area when there were no jobs for many just starting out (and then it was due to people in church questioning tax cuts with increased military spending because tax cuts with military spending increases contributed to the deficit!). My relationship with the (evangelical) church has been more fragile, though my beliefs are solidly evangelical. I’ve seen people loved and supported by fellow believers, but I’ve also seen believers and unbelievers severely hurt and driven away. By now I’ve been around the block enough to have developed relationships with people who have been given “bad labels” by Christians who appear to be part of the “tea party.” My “people-associations” are diverse enough that I saw just as many people “shaken-up” by 8 years of the Bush administration (probably why the pendulum swung the other direction) as by Obama’s re-election. The WORST I saw with reactions to Bush was lack of respect and mockery; now in one week, I have seen people who claim to be Christians threatening violence and secession in addition to lack of respect and sarcasm.
Yesterday, on the plane, I started reading a book, clearly written by a conservative Christian. She described how policy-making necessarily involves some compromises, but how that compromise does not have to involve compromise of one’s faith. I “run in to” individual Christians who are able to look at multiple perspectives rather than cling to the position of one party (or they find me!), and frequently professional Christian groups exercise some restraint. But it seems that most church groups that welcome at least some exploration of diverse political views in light of Scripture only are in larger cities (I haven’t explored much!). My view of the church has been shaken up (again) by cruel, threatening, and disrespectful comments about Obama by Christians.
I work for a university, and we have (conservative) policy in this state that would get liberals fired for saying the things about conservatives that conservatives are now saying against liberals(and we are required to tell students of that policy so that the “liberal professors” don’t discriminate against “conservative students.”) As a “split-ticket moderate,” I see the “pot calling the kettle black.” As a Christian, I do experience a little discrimination from people who might label me as a narrow-minded Christian; but as a teacher, I’m just as discriminated against by conservatives who only want me to present one side of research results. The good news is that much of the discrimination disappears when I listen to people and get to know them. Yesterday, I heard a “liberal physician” describing how she and her “red state governor” care about the same issues. I wish there were a law that people aren’t allowed to say anything bad about someone else until they have developed a relationship with/sought to understand that person 🙂
I’ll get over this when I spend some more time in Scripture. It’s just a little tremor 🙂 And I know that by God’s grace, He also is faithful during big earthquakes. For me, the bad thing about Obamacare is that it provides another solution to my “health insurance” idol. But God is the only one who can deal with that idol; the relief I experienced yesterday when I heard that I no longer am a pre-existing condition shows me that it is an idol. I already was moving toward willingness to quit my job, even if it would leave me without health insurance. I don’t know — maybe this part of Obamacare is an answer to my prayer and the prayers of many in similar conditions.
Yesterday, I heard from physicians, a social worker, theologians, historians and a philosopher. There were Jews and Christians amongst the people who spoke — and I felt alive with the freedom to explore issues from multiple perspectives and to examine them in light of Scripture (which I automatically do). At conferences, I always run into believers who, because of their jobs and/or personal experiences, are forced to look at both sides of issues. Being able to attend this conference and being exposed to perspectives which better represent the WHOLE country also show me that God is in control. It’s too easy for me either to adopt or get discouraged by comments by people in my own limited circles.
Sorry this is so long; the earthquake was my life. My misplaced hopes were stubborn enough that it took a relatively long earthquake to shake them loose. The subsequent tremors demonstrate that God loves me, He is jealous of my love for Him, and He allows conditions that drive me into His arms. I love Him so much, and am so thankful that He is in control. Love to all of you. (Heading back to meetings!)
Whew! Renee, I am glad for your conclusion after your long and hard and continual shaking!
Wow Renee! I am so thankful that God is in controll and he loves us so very much and he can take care of all the rest! I am so sorry that your life has been a earthquake, but the tremors are showing you, God’s love. I am so thankful that God’s Kingdom can not be shaken and he is a consuming fire. May the Lord bless you, Dear Renee.
Talking about depression, Renee and Diane…I had my Doctor appt and I told her I was still depressed and shakey all the time, after all these increase’s s in my Effexor XL, she tells me she needs to back off on so much of the effexor and add some anxiety medication, as she thinks alot of my problem is that also, after we talked some. So I guess it is just trial and error until they get it right..which hasn’t been right for me for years!
Just thought I’d let you all know!
Thanks for letting me know about your appointment, Joyce. I understand that sometimes it takes years to get medication right. Hope the proper medications and/or dosages start to make you feel better shortly.
Diane, It’s good to have a diagnosis for Krista too, so they can get her on the right med’s to start helping her. Please don’t feel discouraged because it has taken me years to get it right. They know so much more now than they have in the past. Besides we are all praying for her:)
Joyce, You are right about trial and error! Sometimes even after it has been right for awhile, things change and it has to be tweaked (or changed). Hope you feel better soon (and get some rest!!)
Thank you Renee:)
A. Why must we not refuse Christ? (vs. 25)
Because he speaks to us from heaven? I’m not sure I understand this verse.
B. What, according to verses 26-27 did God say He was going to do and why?
He would shake the earth to obtain those who are His. Those who aren’t shaken would stay on earth. These passages confound me…..I’m not sure I am understanding. I am using the NIV but maybe I should read another version.
I went to the Message and I think it is a bit clearer there to me. God is trying to clean us and make us pure. He wants the religious-ness to be destroyed and the love of Christ to shine through.
Mary, Renee, Laura-dancer and perhaps many of you have stumbled over Hebrews 12:25
In the context, the contrast is between the Old and New Covenant. God was angry, at Mt. Sinai, with his children who broke the law — but now, in the new covenant, we have the mercy of His blood and grace — if we ignore that — oh — what hope is there?
Let me know if that helps!
Yes!! Thank you 🙂
Sorry, but I think I am still confused. The words when I am reading them refer to warning them “on earth” vs warning them “from heaven”. I see the context of the Old and New covenant, but I don’t see “on earth” as being the Old Covenant and “from heaven” as being the New Covenant. I actually interpreted the on earth part as rejecting Him to his face (ie: when he was on earth) and the from heaven part as rejecting Him when He is trying to offer His gift of eternal life from heaven. It was that thought which caused me to wonder why it is worse to reject Him one way vs the other.
I guess I must be either not understanding something or mi-interpreting it.
thanks for the explanation though.
6. It is so easy to build our foundation on a political leader, a pastor, or our identity as being smart, pretty, talented, or wealthy. Be honest and share where you can tend to find your confidence.
For me it was in singing-for many years before Christ, and then after I came to know Him-I became the one who sang at my church..I always feared someone better coming along..(Hard to admit that-isn’t that yucky??)
7. When the disciples came back from casting out demons, they were pumped at their power. What does Jesus tell them in Luke 10:30?
Jesus says rejoice not that the demons are subject to you but that your name is written in heaven. Don’t get a sense that you are somebody like that-Jesus says what a dead end-don’t get a sense of being a ‘somebody’ like that. Don’t build your identity on stuff that is up and down and in and out. Your names are written in heaven, members of the church of the first born.
8. What similarity did Keller see between the shaking mountain of Mt. Sinai and Calvary — and why?
The Earth shook and there was darkness from the 6th to the 9th hour Jesus cried out my God my God why have you forsaken me-the curtain was torn, the earth shook and there was darkness-mt. Sinai all over again-but Jesus Christ was being judged, shaken-he was getting the shaking we deserve. He went on the cross and was shaken so I could be unshakeable.
9. Share any sermon notes here:
Loved this sermon! I have a lot of notes. I will come back to this question when I have more time-but Oh I loved this sermon! I am going to try to download it on a special friend’s ipod and listen again at work today. 🙂
Oh and just to update you-I had a cold last weekend-it calmed down on Monday and Tuesday but picked up Wednesday night into thursday and even NyQuil didn’t keep my cough back last night. So I was up at 2 a.m. and then slept in an extra hour this morning-I don’t like doing that because I miss longer quiet times in the morning. I don’t want this to be bronchitis or pneumonia again, but if it is I will trust Him. If you could pray I would appreciate it! Love you ladies! 🙂
Father, I lift up Rebecca and ask for Your healing hand on her. May she get some rest somehow! Please make a way. In Jesus Name
Loved your answer to 8 and think it ties into the questions about Hebrews 12:25 above
Rest when you need to dear girl & use that time to feed your spirit! Praying for you, you have so much on your shoulders, any positive news pertaining to your financial struggles?
Chris, You are so sweet! Yes, the job at the school is really helping us-yet I am sensing God may be using the things that are happening lately to move us in a different direction. Not sure what that is yet but am waiting and am trusting Him today. I am not sure our comfort is what He is concerned with as much as our holiness-and that is what I am clinging to right now. 🙂 He has once again shown me some ugly layers underneath-things I cling to other than Him through all of this, yet reminded me of His Grace, the cross- at the same time. 🙂
Rebecca, I have been praying for your family for financial help also, but didn’t ask, as sometimes that’s pretty personnal. Still praying for you!
Feel my faith being shaken to its core.
Listen twice to the Keller sermon, thanks Dee for introducing this rational man to us!
I am so being shaken.
I believe the Lord is shaking us individually and not collectely. Reason. We are not all the same with our perspective of currents affairs.
Some fear the ungodliness of our culture.
Some are disheartened at the Christian community. ( and from there I’ll stop)
I unloaded on my former Pastors wife last night. A French Cajun lady from Louisiana with a kind spirit.
Without divulging, we clearly have difference of opinion in the what is happening to our country.
I am thinking of a Casting Crowns song where the beginning of the song starts out “Jesus friend of sinners”
I don’t want the world stumbling over me to get to Christ.
Praying for you Laura Marie, that the shaking will only dislodge deception that needed to be dislodged.
6. It is so easy to build our foundation on a political leader, a pastor, or our identity as being smart, pretty, talented, or wealthy. Be honest and share where you can tend to find your confidence.
I have a tendency to put my confidence in my health, my marriage, and in how my kids behave (not athletic/school performance—but in terms of their character). And in how I am perceived at work, friends…when Dee told the story this week on the radio of the woman whose husband had left her, and all she wanted was a way to get him back…Dee said the clue to finding our idols is whatever we think we cannot live without. I have to remind myself not to place my hope, my trust in anything other than Him.
7. When the disciples came back from casting out demons, they were pumped at their power. What does Jesus tell them in Luke 10:30?
(Luke 10:20) “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus tells them not to get their confidence from something that can be taken away, but rather from what cannot be shaken–their name is written in the Book of Life.
8. What similarity did Keller see between the shaking mountain of Mt. Sinai and Calvary — and why?
God brings shaking to the foundation, to reveal what is eternal. Jesus on the Cross, from the 6-9th hr, darkness, Jesus cried out, gave up His Spirit, curtain torn, earth shook—earthquake.
Jesus was being shaken, being judged, getting what we deserve.
9. Share any sermon notes here:
I listened in the car each time and didn’t take very good notes (though I probably shouldn’t admit I tried!)
Main things that struck me—
We have an unshakeable future; unshakeable joy; and an unshakeable identity. To some extent, we can have a taste of that NOW.
When I say, I’m not perfect, but I’m not that bad…it is all a sham. I can’t begin to measure up to the demands I place on others. This convicted me with some bitterness and un-forgiveness I’ve had towards family lately.
We believe the lie that if we lose control, if we live for Him instead of ourselves, that we’ll be miserable. Keller: “But the shadows of this world cannot keep the joy out forever.” Joy will break through, and does to some extent now. I guess this is to the extent that I “get it”—that I remove myself from that inner throne, and enthrone Him. Right now, I need to do that with my whining about being worn out caring for sick family—and as they are thankfully on the mend, I’m feeling wiped out, almost sick, and sorry for myself. Kick that off the throne, and embrace Him. Serve and be patient with late work night, grumpy kids…do it for Him. The rest of the universe gets that we are here for His glory, if I submit to Him, I can be a part of that.
In heaven we will have unselfish relationships and no demands. We are created to glorify Him and because He wanted to share His love, share His glory. When Keller said “no demands” my heart skipped a beat. I hate demands in relationships…and yet I place so many on others.
Our unshakeable identity—don’t base my identity on fleeting things, but only that my name is written in the Book of Life. I need this reminder ALL THE TIME.
We don’t have to be afraid because He was shaken for us, so that we can have a kingdom that can never be shaken. To the degree that He consumes what is bad, what holds me back, to that degree, He fulfills my deep longing and I can experience my unshakeable identity NOW.
Loved what you had to say, Rebecca, Laura Dancer, Laura Marie and Elizabeth!
D. What promise do we have in verse 28a? How is this impacting you right now?
We are receiving a kingdom that is unshakeable. I don’t think it is impacting me now. I am still feeling very disappointed in our election and what I see happening in the country. I think I may even be depressed. The stock market has fallen 700 points in the last week, companies are closing doors and layoffs are rampant, no one in our federal government seems to care that 4 Americans were murdered in Benghazi on 9/11, and although I don’t believe in what what most unions represent, I certainly could use my union to stand up and say enough is enough. We are being dumped on with so much work this school year, it is ridiculous. Things that are not classroom related, not teaching related, but administrative work that we are expected to accomplish outside of school hours. Well, I already do 2-3 hours of school work everyday outside of school hours, so I don’t know when this other work will take place. I usually work a day on the weekend as well. It is exhausting and makes me hate my job. It is the reason I decided to get my masters; to get back to geology and end my career doing something I really love. It also takes me back to me working so hard while others whine and take from our government when they should go and get a job (like the very capable girl that lived with us last year). I am part of the working poor. Oh yeah, my mom is struggling in the hospital also. It is difficult watching your mother in pain. I can’t be there either. She is scared and I am helpless. Nice.
So, sorry to be so negative, but Hebrews doesn’t seem to be helping me this week. I don’t understand the verses. I still have the Keller sermon to listen to. Hope that is clearer for me and something hits a nerve. I am having much trouble “keeping the faith” when our world is falling around us. I am human, and struggling staying focused on Jesus. I am distracted.
E. What command do we have in verse 28b? What reason is given in verse 29?
We should be thankful. We should worship Him. He is a consuming fire.
So, I should be afraid of God? He is going to consume me with fire? Great, that should be comfortable…..so not understanding this scripture and it’s not making me feel very good….
Oh Laura-dancer — my heart goes out to you. How I long for you to look at our unshakeable world — that invisible world where there will be no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more death. It is real. You are His child and He loves you so. You are forgiven in the hollow of His hand. Yet He is shaking the world, so we must fix our eyes on Jesus and our unshakeable world. It’s right to lament, to grieve, but don’t back up from God. My daughter Annie tells of when she was at her lowest and didn’t want to live after her dad died and I told her not to back up from God, but to cry help. She couldn’t say help out loud, but she said it silently, And alowly, He came to her.
Cry help, Laura-dancer. And wait upon the Lord — He will renew your strength in His time.
You are loved here.
Laura I have felt sort of as you do now, unable to understand why things were happening and casting about for another answer, please be still in your spirit and know that the answer is Christ, and grab onto Him with all your might.
These passages in Hebrews help me to lift my eyes to a future hope that is sure, that helps make the false hope the world holds out less appealing. We can’t hope in a brighter future here on earth, that might happen, but it is more likely that it will not. Christ is our hope & our future, we can be more sure of celebrating in that joyful assembly than we can of waking up tomorrow morning.
James 4
14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
Psalm 42
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. “Selah” 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. “Selah” 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. “Selah”
End time prophecy states clearly that things here on earth will get unimaginably bad, already we begin to see good being called evil and evil called good. It is not a shock that the world is heading toward turmoil, Jesus told us to expect it.
If you hold fast to the hope in you you can show others the treasure you have, that your hope is beyond what the sadness and pain this world throws at you can touch.
Phillipians 2
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life
Praying for you Laura!
Thank you, Chris. You are living out 2 Corinthians 1:3-7!
Chris,
WOW!! I wrote mine the same time you wrote your response!! I promise I didn’t read yours first. God is moving for we said some of the same things..Oh my…
OH Laura Dancer, I can relate with you on several levels here! I just so so so love your honest heart. Yes, Hebrews is hard to get through for I too struggled in different passages. Hang in there! 🙂
Yes, if you can, listen to Keller-he will clear things up for you. I could be mistaken, but from what I recall Keller saying in God being a consuming fire is that for the believer, when God shakes everything, we don’t have to fear because Jesus took our shaking for us-so the consuming fire for believers is God coming into your life to consume the things that are holding you back-fulfills that deep longing. I didn’t get this either until I listened to Keller.
Like you I see things falling apart all over-the middle east now is erupting in war-America has embraced twisted things and has been so easily deceived-black is white and white is black. Evil is good and good is evil. I am heartbroken at the lies-the injustice-it makes me angry, it really does and Laura, if it does that to you, you shouldn’t feel guilty-that is normal-if you see injustice like this going on-people being deceived, yet I have to guard against a bitter spirit-be angry, yet do not sin. I am saying this to myself too. Scripture speaks of this happening and I believe we are feeling the labor pains. So really while it is painful for all of us to go through in so many ways physically, mentally and spiritually-at the same time we can rejoice for the day is drawing near! God is shaking things up and He is King and we don’t have to fear-we are His and we can trust Him-He is going to transform us through this and my hope is that we will shine like stars in the universe.
Wow — Laura-dancer — God said the same thing through 3 of us — I hope a confirmation to you!
Oh Dee, yes I missed yours! He did!! How exciting! 🙂
This whole thing blessed me, I do love you girls!
Dee, Chris, and Rebecca, Just wanted to say that your answers to Laura dancer helped me too. We are going through yet another round of “shaking” at the moment. God is comforting me through you all. I especially liked Psalm 42, Chris.
Diane, I hate to hear that you are going through another round of shaking! :/ I have been praying for you all..Lord we cry for you to rescue Diane and her family from this yet in your time and your way-help them trust you in the mystery of all of this-we can’t fathom your wisdom and your sovereignty..we ask that You would come and encourage-remind them of your love and we cry out for your mercy and for your comfort in this time of distress-thank you so for comforting Diane this morning. In Jesus name..
Wow, so much going on here….so glad I came on, so I can pray for you, Laura Dancer and Diane (and Krista and all. I feel as you do, Laura, about what is happening in our shaken world today..especially since the election. I feel like it is just the beginning also (like Rebecca said; labor pains). We must be strong and prepare for what we can do, to protect our hearts with God and also protect our families best we can.
I was so worried about the beginning of the end that I done something very foolish; I ordered several pamphlets of how to prepare for natural disasters like, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunami, etc. which cost me about $100,00, which I couldn’t afford, but I thought who can put a price on that? It is wonderful information tho and it tells of the 37 foods and other things, we should have on hand for survival. I would be glad to share this information, if anyone would like it. E-mail me at: maujoy@charter.net, if you do. But it may be a week or so, with Thanksgiving and all.
Anyway, I will be praying for you Laura Dancer, as you are very over worked and over stressed. I’m so glad you let it all out here, so we can pray for you, Praying for you, Diane and Krista and all your family, too.
Laura – dancer
I am glad for your honesty. Although I am new here, what little I have seen warms my heart. I have had the misfortune of being in various groups who felt it necessary to keep a mask on, even though they were falling a part on the inside. I honestly don’t think that we are supposed to keep the mask up, I think we are supposed to be honest, even in our struggles. It is very nice to be in a place where honesty is valued and people also feel safe enough to reveal when they are really struggling with things.
I too have been in dark and dreary places, I spent about 5 years once living in a dark swamp (figuratively only) where I constantly felt like I was sinking even deeper. In the swamp with the darkness all around, I could see ever so distantly a small light. Sometimes when I felt like I was close to the surface of the swamp, it was brighter other times when I was sinking ever deeper it was much further away, sometimes it seemed like the light was only a reflection it was so dim. However I realized that as long as I could see the light, no matter how dim it was, there was hope that the surface was there. That hope and that light was what kept me from giving up. At times it was the only thing that gave me any sort of encouragement. No matter how far or how dim it was, as long as I could see even a glimpse of that light I knew that at some point it would be okay. That light to me represented Christ and as long as I could see Him, no matter how distant, I knew He hadn’t given up on me and was showing me the direction to swim towards to get back to the surface. I still feel like I am in the swamp, but now I am swimming on the top, where I can breath.
I realize that I don’t have anything really profound to encourage you with, but I would encourage you to hold onto that light, no matter how distant it seems to be as it is the way back to the surface of the swamp. It is still the swamp and swimming towards the surface has it’s obstacles and slime is everywhere. Even the surface of the swamp is still the swamp, but the surface is where you can breath and bask in the brightness and warmth of the sunshine while we wait for the boat to swing by and take us home.
Mary, I think the only time we will ever really be at the top with all the sunshine and fresh air is when we are with Jesus, after the boat swings by and picks us up.
Seriously, I pray you are not in that dark and dreary place now. Love you!
I watched the Lincoln movie last night. Thought it would help me escape . Lol …instead it was a sober reminder that only through Christ can we really escape pain, depression, sadness.
On an up beat note, I have a great story to tell my grandson Asher how I met Doris Kearns Goodwin at a lecture earlier this year and had her sign a copy of her book I received as a Christmas gift when it came out.
I love the quote Keller used, ” In the presence of God we face our unbearable likeness of being”
I took notes and wanted to share, but it’s too lengthy and we are at the end of the week.
I received a picture from my cousin of a areal shot of South Mt Sinai. Wow did Moses have a challenge!
But we have something Moses didn’t have when he faced his “mountain”… Jesus Christ.
Feeling an unshakeable joy this morning!
Love your unshakeable joy.
I think Doris Kearns Goodwin is such a good biographer — that’s exciting.
Liked the note you shared from Keller!
Laura Marie,
I haven’t heard of Doris Kearns Goodwin. What was the book called you received?
Loved to hear of your unshakeable joy this morning!
A Team of Rivals : The Political Genuis of Abraham Lincoln
Doris Kearns-Goodwin is biographer on Presidents and received a Pulitzer Prize for the Non-Fiction Lincoln book.
Do you recommend the movie or not, then Laura Marie?
Absolutely Joyce!
It has a few curse words, but it’s a great film from a historical standpoint. Its gives insight onto 19th century politics!
I love history, so I’d like to see it, then!
9. Share any sermon notes here:
Loved what Keller said about the unshakeable life: “Every person who gets near God shatters-Job, Peter, and Isaiah. Isaiah said, woe is me I am undone I am being shaken to pieces. In the presence of God finally is revealed our unbearable lightness of being-our smallness. No way do we have the willingness to admit how cowardly we are. In the presence of God it becomes inescapable-that is why you can’t be there all the time.
If you build your life on anything here-your identity-like being the smartest there will be someone smarter. If you build your life on anything it will shatter you. This is a shakeable life, we won’t be able to stand.
When Augustin saw Rome sacked in 410 a.d. he said the city of God can never be sacked, bombed, burned. ”
YET here is what Keller said here: “Here it says-‘you HAVE come to it.” How is it possible you have come now? It is possible for those who experience the grace of God to form a community with others who experience his grace is a foretaste of the city of God. You can taste the city of the future but only to a degree and therefore you can know because of the real joy of living as a citizen in that community.
Unshakeable joy: “Why did God create the world then? If God had just one personality-since God is triune-community, then he already had that incredible joy. He didn’t create us to get it but to give it away. We were all created to stand before God and glorify God, obey God-give all your love to Him and have Him love and honor you.
Everything out there is just a joyful dance before the throne of God, except for us because a lie came into our hearts via adam and eve-if you lose control you won’t be happy. If you live for God’s glory you won’t be happy-we are holding on to the throne of our lives. But this is saying all of reality is an ocean of joy and we are stuck in a spec of darkness. The shadows of this world will not be able to keep this joy out forever. You ‘have’ come to it. It must be possible to get some of the sense of God’s love on your heart, his glory on your mind. Not just knowing about but sensing some of this-to get a drop of this incredible wine on your tongue-give you a joy.”-OH I LOVED THAT, SO TRUE..
10. What is your take-a-way and why?
I admit when I hurt my back at work yesterday morning, along with my cough-i became angry inside and it wasn’t a righteous anger. :/ My control idol kicked in..I am just trying to help my husband out and now I am having to go through this, and this along with the ladies at work-oh my..they can be so vicious with their tongues toward one another-talk about a contrast between the world and the City of God! They are nice to one another’s face but OH the back stabbing and throwing each other under the bus-it just rolls off their tongue. They come to me to vent..I don’t know what to say most times. I have been in other work places that are bad but not this bad. I have to be so cautious about what I say and how I say it if there are any issues in regard to how we work. When I left to go to the med center-no one said hope you get better-keep us updated-they didn’t say anything kind, except my boss. Very cold there. One lady walked by and said to the boss, “So we are two down today?” All they care about is their work load-not about people. For all I know they threw me under the bus when i left, well I am sure they did. Ironically when one of them called in for falling down the stairs and hurting her ankle. Everyone doubted her story..They push false motives on one another-it is the world and it can be cold and unkind.
All of this said, this week’s study has been like a warm blanket around my soul in the middle of living in a cold world-like when you go to the hospital and lay on a cold table and the nurse wraps a heated blanket around you..yes I am in this cold world yet God reminding me of the dance I am in, of the Joy and the small taste of His Kingdom I can have now-and what is yet to come-this world isn’t my home-praise God!..All of this along with this community of believers were my warm blanket-my takeaway this week-really how God came to me this week. 🙂
Rebecca, I loved your notes and your take away. They help me a lot.
Yes, it is a cruel, cold world out there…which I worked in for 40 years…even in a “christian” job setting. Everyone is just out for themselves and don’t care how they hurt other’s:(
I especially loved your note’s here…
“Unshakeable joy: “Why did God create the world then? If God had just one personality-since God is triune-community, then he already had that incredible joy. He didn’t create us to get it but to give it away. We were all created to stand before God and glorify God, obey God-give all your love to Him and have Him love and honor you.” Thank you:)
Sounds like work is a place for you to “shine like a star” Rebecca, and I don’t doubt that you do. May the difference your co-workers see in you make them soften to the gospel.
Sermon notes:
I finally got to finish listening to the sermon. Some others have put some notes here and I do not have the energy to summarize but it was a good sermon. I just love how Keller piles imagery on top of imagery. I am so glad that there is an unshakeable kingdom coming. I look forward to all the dancing around the throne of God and I will be right with those of you who like to dance. Oh, that will be GLORY!!
And it is sobering that Jesus was judged so that I don’t have to be. He is shaking us here, but the eternal will last. We will come out as gold, pure and precious to Him.
Diane–I’ve been praying for you every morning, an as God brings you to mind through the day which is often. So thankful for your trust in Him.
Praise the Lord!, Diane
10. What is your take-a-way and why?
First, I apologize. I was one who encouraged our studying of Hebrews and now I see how much confusion it has brought. Praying God will use it all to draw us nearer to Him.
My take away is that God brings shaking to my foundation, to reveal what is eternal. I think my favorite verse in Hebrews is 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” I have always read that verse and thought only of the proclamation to ‘hold on’ to my faith. But this week, I am struck with gratitude that there is actually Something to hold on to. He shakes my world like a snow globe and what remains is what truly matters. He remains. He is faithful, strong, steadfast in His love for me. No mater how much I run—He remains True. I am thankful.
I am thankful that you encouraged the study of Hebrews, Elizabeth…I have found this study to be wonderfully enlightening; I am being blessed abundantly. Yes, I agree that there are some challenging portions to understand, but between fellow study bloggers and Keller sermons clarity has come.
I felt a “hug” in your words Nanci-thank you. I have been surprised by how challenging many of the passages in Hebrews are. I only knew many verses I liked, but had never studied it as a full text, and in-context. I’ve now heard that many scholars consider it to be one of the most difficult books in the Bible. I’m thankful to have studied it here with Dee and the sermons from Keller–both make the foggy and unclear more understandable for me. Maybe we should try Revelation next, Dee? Just kidding! No more suggestions from me! 🙂
Really Elizabeth — it’s been great. I have loved studying it, and it is good to have a challenge. We still have those last 3 great chapters to look forward to next year too.
I think it was exactly where we needed to be for such a time as this.
me too, I haven’t been as active a participant as I would have liked to be, but the verses are really sinking in, and oh how I need them to!
Elizabeth, you are such a dear one….stop apologizing!
“He remains, He is faithful, strong, steadfast in His love for me. No matter how much I run, He remains True. I am thankful”
Thank you, Elizabeth…I share in your joy and praise!
Elizabeth,
I am so glad you suggested Hebrews! I’ve been SO encouraged (and,yeah, sometimes I do have questions, but that’s ok!). My only regret is that I’m gone and haven’t had Internet access during the day so haven’t dug in as deeply as I would like to or participated in some of discussions.
This is GREAT! Thanks, Elizabeth and Dee.
I might be able to read the study on my cell phone tomorrow — in airport and hope to get online again on Monday. Starting to read here near the end because I’m so far behind.
6. It is so easy to build our foundation on a political leader, a pastor, or our identity as being smart, pretty, talented, or wealthy. Be honest and share where you can tend to find your confidence.
I find confidence in my people pleasing abilities, predominantly…yikes! I get great satisfaction, a sense of confidence and accomplishment in a job well done…in exceeding peoples’ expectations. On the other side of that fence, I am sensitive to peoples’ displeasure with me…at base I will call it what it is (no mincing words)…pride.
7. When the disciples came back from casting out demons, they were pumped at their power. What does Jesus tell them in Luke 10:30? Rejoice because your names are register in heaven.
8. What similarity did Keller see between the shaking mountain of Mt. Sinai and Calvary — and why?
The shaking mountain of Mt. Sinai was caused by a sinful people coming into the presence of God; the shaking of Mt. Calvary was Jesus being judged (shaken) for my and the entire world’s sin once and for all.
9. Share any sermon notes here: I took LOTS of notes…an excellent, convicting sermon. The primary thought I was left me with is that I have (present tense…yeah!) the presence of God in my life through the grace of Jesus; God will consume the flaws and parts of me that need to go away. Because of Jesus I can have an unshakeable identity and not fear the final judgment day because Jesus took my rightful shaking…I pray that I experience His presence with the reverence and awe He rightfully deserves.
“God will consume the flaws and parts of me that need to go away.” Nanci-I like the connection between God being a “consuming fire”, and how Keller said He would take away the bad in us.
Nancy. I love this!…. “God will consume the flaws and parts of me that need to go away. Because of Jesus I can have an unshakeable identity and not fear the final judgment day because Jesus took my rightful shaking…I pray that I experience His presence with the reverence and awe He rightfully deserves.”
10. What is your take-a-way and why?
This was an interesting week to start, although I have much to learn I am encouraged by reading the posts here. I came mostly to get more immersed in His Word. I had tried for the last couple of years to find a bible study/small group in our church, without any success. I am glad that the Lord lead me here.
I think that God is telling us in various ways that our focus is on the things of this world, politics, leaders, the things going on in this world. When we keep looking around us, we are not looking high enough. It is very easy to get discouraged by looking around at what is going on, it seems like the entire world is falling apart.
When I read the summary at the beginning of Hebrews, it was written to encourage Christians in a time of trial (not so different than today). It encourages us to focus on the the only thing that truly matters, Christ. That no matter what is going on around us that if we keep our eyes, our hearts, our minds, everything on Him, that those things that are going on around us will have a different meaning if we see them through the eyes of the Lord.
At the end of Hebrews, there is a Benediction… Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
That’s beautiful, Mary.
LOVE the benediction! Thanks for sharing it, Mary. I’ve heard it in church many, many times — What we’ve studied in Hebrews provides context which adds to the richness of the benediction. AMAZING, brings tears to my eyes and encouragement to my heart. Plus, I know it well enough to be able to meditate on it in the context of what we’ve studied.
Satan seeking to destroy. Last few days really rough and today the wolves are circling. Please pray for Krista!
Father, I lift up Krista and ask for Your mercy and help.
In Your Name I pray
Prayers out to Krista for wholeness & strength!