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Heb 12:28 Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander.

When I read these words some time ago, it was as if for the first time; it struck me, an “unshakable kingdom”

I then remembered the chorus of an old song we used to sing that went something like this: “we shall, we shall, we shall not be moved – we shall not be moved”

Sometimes we just do not realize what we have, what we posses, because of our inheritance. We have an “unshakable kingdom”

Isa 54:17 but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God’s servants can expect. I'll see to it that everything works out for the best." GOD's Decree.

No weapon, from the hurtful words of an enemy, the scathing attacks on your dignity, the deceitful plots of people who would love to see you fall, can penetrate the walls of the “unshakable kingdom” that hedges around you.

Everything and anything that happens to you, can and will be turned around. Your test will become your testimony, your challenge will become the platform for your victory.

God, the King of the “unshakable kingdom”, has decreed it.

Our place in the kingdom, is to worship, we do not pay taxes, we do not beg, we do not hide in corners, fearful of the next attack. We stand in the open spaces of the kingdom, arms raised in worship, praising His goodness and His providence for the citizens of His Kingdom.

He is not indifferent to our needs, He will not turn a blind eye and His ear is not deaf.

Psa 139:2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. 5 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too-- your reassuring presence, coming and going. 6 This is too much, too wonderful-- I can't take it all in! 7 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? 8 If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! 9 If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, 10 You'd find me in a minute-- you're already there waiting!

What a mighty God we serve.

However: there is a problem:

Dr howard Hendricks, recently conducted a study of 246 men and women in full time ministry, who experienced personal and moral failure within a two year period.

In other words; Hendricks was able to find nearly 250 people who derailed within 24 months of each other

• That = 10 x month for nearly 2 years.
• 10 guys a month in moral failure
• 2/3 per week

And each of them started strong!

In the believer`s life, it’s mot how you start that matters, it’s how you finish.

You might think “that’s all very cute, but I am not in full time ministry”

Sorry to ‘rock your boat’

If you are a `believer` and you are serious about following Christ – then you are in full time ministry. The Pastor functions in his calling – not the ministry of all believers.

• Are you a husband/wife?
• Do you have kids?
• Are you in any form of relationship with another human being?

Then you are in ministry and the devil does not want you to realize it!

You may not collect a salary from the church but according to Eph 4:11-13 and Colossians 3:23 that’s not the issue.

Truck driver, CEO or Sport pro. If Jesus is your savior then ultimately you work for Him.

Mat 5:13 You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its savor, with what shall it be salted? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and to be trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the grain-measure, but on a lampstand. And it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.

2 Extremely important questions to ask:

1. What makes you think that you will be one out of the ten that finishes strong?

2. What makes you think that you wont be one of the nine who falls short of the mark?

Finishing strong is not impossible – it is improbable.

It is going to take tough choices and an experience or two of personal brokenness in order to have a strong finishing kick when you hit the tape at 65/75/85, or whenever it is that God calls you home.

So here is the question again:

What exceptional measures are you taking in your life to ensure that you will be one out of ten?

Do you:

• Spend personal time with the Lord in prayer and reading the Scriptures at least 3 times per week?

• Do you have at least one or two people in your life with whom you have a relationship, built on trust, confidentiality and accountability? In other words; do you have a friend who is close enough (you can`t con him) and loves you enough to be in your face if he needs to?

• Are you spending significant time in the company of people other than your family and friends of worth? (The wrong crowd)

• Are absolutely sure you will finish strong

Correct answers: 1 & 2 Yes, 3 & 4 No.

If you have one wrong answer, you are at risk. If you have 2 wrong answers, you are a moderate risk. If you have 3 wrong answers, you are a bad risk and if you have 4 wrong answers………dead meat!

Why would I say dead meat?

Because each of the men who fell gave the same answers. It’s not a question of IF, it’s a question of WHEN!

However:

Wherever I put my foot, I will have the victory ( Josh 1 ), how can that be? Because He is already there, waiting for my arrival, He has already paved the way.

But – He is not just already there, He is also protecting my rear. He is watching from above and He is covering from underneath.

Heb 12:28 Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander.

1Ch 16:8 Give thanks to Jehovah, call on His name, make known His deeds among the people. :9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him, talk of all His wondrous works. 10 Glory in His holy name, let the heart of those who seek Jehovah rejoice.