There's a whole lot of shakin' goin' on, but not in our real world. Health care reform, budget deficit, and unemployment rumble across this nation like giant boulders rolling down a hillside. Assumed securities and privileges are undergoing drastic changes and many people's worlds are being rocked to the very core. Although none are immune to the impact of these changes, our real world is not shaken in the least.

"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)

The "attitude of gratitude" is our response to an unshakeable kingdom. When all the sifting, sorting, and shaking in this age is over one ultimate unshakeable reality will remain: God's kingdom. Believers partially live within that realm now as we await its final consummation. The bedrock of our faith and security is resolute belief in this kingdom and its king: "upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18).

The present systems of the world are being rocked to their very foundations. It is as though God has thrown everything of this world into a great flour sifter and it is being violently shaken until only the unshakeable remains. Or, using a more biblical analogy, the labor pains are intensifying that ultimately will result in the birth of the kingdom.

The more this present world degenerates the more we are reminded of the government to which we truly belong. And we are profoundly thankful. That gratitude becomes the springboard for acceptable service in the eyes of our Father and His Son, our Messiah and Savior.

The world is violently shaking these days, but our true world remains unshakeable. Embrace this great truth. Overflow with thanksgiving. Freely serve from gratitude.

Press on, unshakeable kingdom citizens.

Steve