Steadfast, Staid and Static

Good morning good people. I have been a bit under the weather for the past few days. I have managed to contract Ebola…no, just kidding, I have the most common cold…but when you haven’t had a cold in a very long time it feels like something lethal.

I’m prefacing my message with the sickness to note the fact that sickness has a way of slowing you down….many of you know me personally so you know that my mind is ALWAYS on. I am ALWAYS several moves ahead mentally and emotionally. I am one of the very unfortunate folks who stresses about not having anything to stress about; who needs to plan and schedule spontaneity; you get the gist? All of this is leading to my message for today – the word is steadfast, staid and static

I am going to talk about a reciprocal steadfastness illustrated in scripture.

Psalm 136: 1- 26  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; ...

Now, if you read this passage all the way to the end you will see the characteristics of God, the Father

Because it addresses how God just hangs in there with us through all our mistakes, missteps and misgivings. This passage talks about the comfort that He as a Father provides in our times of distress. It talks about how He makes a way out of no way so we can be ______________  (you fill in the black) called and used mightily.

1 Corinthians 15:58  (NIV)

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

James 1:12  (NIV)

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

These two passage indicate our side of the reciprocity – stand firm and persevere: two very difficult words both passages also indicate a reward for having done as instructed.

Oh, this leads me to pose so many questions about our day to day connections. Questions such as…who is ride or die in your life? What principles are you willing to stand up for…no matter what? (What it looks like, what the naysayers and detractors are saying) Can you possibly see yourself as the Earthly reward?

And last but by no means least do you know that you know that you know that God is true above everything and that His word does not come back void?