By Elizabeth Prata
Where I stand as this lockdown continues: I stand on the Rock of all creation, because the mercy of Jesus has saved me. Gratitude fills my heart and my life with the blessings He has delivered to me, first fruit of which is that precious salvation. He Who is the fount from which all beneficence flows, in His mercy accepted my piteous cries for forgiveness and smiled upon my soul, bringing light and peace.
He continued to bless me by installing the Holy Spirit within me to rely upon as my guide and teacher. He allows me to grow in His light and remain upon His paths by sending me wisdom as I read His Holy Word. He gives me earthly fulfillments- I am not hungry, I am in a cozy home, I am clothed and I am employed.
I learn from Paul who said to the Philippians, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:11-13)
Contentment no matter the circumstance is truly a gift. Do you have a grateful heart as this lockdown goes on?
And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 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 12:26-29).
In the meanwhile, here on earth, He is shaking loose governments, mountains, economies, hearts…so what remains? Believers! The Kingdom is within us and we must not be shaken as the the times continue to deepen. Gratitude and contentment in the midst of terrible circumstances is key to remaining unshaken. Paul was unshaken, content in all that occurred.
Friend, you are of the Kingdom – the Kingdom that will not be shaken! My prayer for you is that your heart is filled with gratitude for all things, no matter the circumstance.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16).
Thankful hearts dwell upon the gifts which the Lord has given them, and think it no task to mention them one by one. … If we gratefully acknowledge what we have we shall be in better heart for obtaining that which as yet we have not received. ~Spurgeon, Treasury of David, Psalm 108
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Further reading
We are being shaken, and yet we trust Him.
the-end-time.org 
Elizabeth, Your wise Biblical insights as you wrote today is not only very encouraging, but also Biblical reality!
May each real saint be on the alert as to NOT zero in on this pandemic, nor the extent of the fallout! May we each be given by the very Spirit of the God who lives in us, a laser beam steadfast focus on Him. We are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and NOT by circumstances of any sort! IF…we are going to do this we must press in to fervent prayer, Bible reading FIRST, then listening to/reading doctrinally sound truths that arm our faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ and His loving care for us, His own.
We must be careful not to overdose on an unhealthy diet of all this terrible news – GUARD our minds, and CONSUME all the Biblical Truth you possibly can. If we don’t we will sink in agonizing despair!
Also stay physically ACTIVE the best you can.
Masses of people are dieing, and most if not more are not in Jesus Christ. May we each pray and do all we can to warn of the lake of fire, and then preach/share the only way of escape-Repent and believe on Jesus Christ!
Again, thank you so much Elizabeth for your wise words of wisdom (TRUTH)!
Brother Rick
Peachtree City Area
Georgia
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Thank you Brother! I loved how you put it, ‘not overdose on an unhealthy diet of news…” so true!
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