The Thought For Today

Encouraging You Through God's Word

     The word “shake” is defined as to move or sway with short, quick, irregular vibratory movements. Webster describes “dust” as earth or other matter in fine, dry particles. Your dust represents the mistakes/sins you make or have made. So many of us put ourselves in bondage due to the bad decisions we make or sins we commit. Jesus is willing and ready to forgive but we haven’t forgiven ourselves. There is good news on today! Simply because of God’s mercy and grace we can “Shake the Dust Off”.

     The word of God tells us 4 things we can do to “Shake the Dust Off”repent, forgive, pray and press forward.

  1. First, we must repent and acknowledge our wrong. When we repent, we are making the choice to turn away from this sin. We do not sugar coat what we did. We are not making excuses, but we are calling it sin because God’s word says so. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
  2. Then we must forgive not only other people but more importantly ourselves. 1 John 1:9 declares, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus is willing to forgive, but are you?
  3. The next step is to pray everyday and all day that we not fall into temptation. In Matthew 26:41 Jesus tells us to, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
  4. Finally, we must press forward in spite of the mistakes. You and I are human. This is why Jesus came to redeem us. He sent His Holy Spirit to help us. Philippians 3:14 encourages to, “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

     When God created us, He knew we were just dust. He knew the mistakes we would make and the sins we would commit. But because of the love of Jesus and Him dying for our sins, we can now boldly come to the throne of grace and “Shake the Dust Off”.

Search yourself and go deeper: What do you need to shake off today? What sin have you not repented of? Have you forgiven the other person? Have you forgiven yourself? What is holding you back from surrendering your all to Jesus?

Action Plan:

  1. Repent
  2. Forgive
  3. Pray
  4. Press Forward