January 22, 2004
shaken
We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them.
~ Charles C. West
__________________
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; {8} we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; {9} persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; {10} always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
I've been wanting to post the below passages in response to your entry. To me, a Biblical study of things that can/cannot be shaken draws a polarity between pride and faith, or pride and righteousness, or unsettledness and faith. John Piper's sermons on Battling Unbelief (can you tell that I can't recommend them enough?) are excellent for encouragement and hope in this as well.
THE REMAINING OF THINGS WHICH CANNOT BE SHAKEN
The double-minded man
is unstable
in all his ways....
Draw nigh to God,
and He will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners,
and purify your hearts,
ye double-minded.
(James 1:8 & James 4:8)
Behold, as for the proud one,
His soul is not right within him;
But the righteous will live by his faith.
(Habakkuk 2:4)
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom
which cannot be shaken,
let us show gratitude,
by which we may offer to God
an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
for our God is a consuming fire.
(Hebrews 12:28-29)
"And now the night is fading and the storm is past | And everything that could be shaken was shaken | And all that remains is all I ever really had"
~ Rich Mullins ("Home")
i'm hearing this strange digital echo...but it was just as good the third time. :-)
Posted by: apelles at March 15, 2004 12:12 PM[ grin ]
c.f. bensfriends' server move and repeated attempts to post in thin air.
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