The Plumbline

Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. (Psalm 112:4 NLT) Please take note: scripture never says the godly will not face dark times - it says they will have light in the midst of those dark places. We imagine giving our lives to Christ will result in nothing but good times, but we live in a sinful world, complete with an enemy who would love nothing more than to see us deny Christ and choose our own way again. Sometimes the darkness is our own doing because of bad choices we have made, but most of the time, the darkness comes because we live in this sin-filled world. We don't choose it - it just comes. We never need to fear it, though, for we will be the ones with the Light in the midst of all that darkness! Three characteristics of the one who lives 'in the Light': Generosity - the giving of oneself for the good of others; not just out of our abundance, but out of whatever we have been given in the way of talent, weal...

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:15-17) How can we 'be careful' in our living? The most important thing is to not live like the fools do. What exactly makes for 'foolish behavior'? Any behavior that reveals a total lack of sense, especially when we compare that behavior and its outcome with the scripture. Perhaps this is why God reminds us to put some thought into our behavior. We need to consider our actions - ill-considered actions usually result in poorer results. What we use to 'consider' our actions is important, though. We need the wisdom that comes from the scriptures and the guidance of God's Spirit within us - without that we are flying solo! To understand what God wants us to do, there are some key things we must incorporate in our daily living: 1. Pray about it - ...

Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back. (John Ruskin) Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them. (Proverbs 19:18) Proverbs reminds us that disciplining your children is really loving them: "A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them." (Proverbs 13:24) How many parents today struggle with how to discipline their children. Back in my day, the sassy mouth, bad attitude, or occasional wrongdoing was dealt with by either taking away a privilege, getting a couple whacks on the backside, or being grounded. I knew the occasional need to restrict me, and even the occasional swat on the backside didn't mean my parents didn't love me. In fact, it was just the opposite - they cared enough about how I'd turn out that they took the steps to require the right respect for my elders, follow the rules set forth by those in a position of authority, and to always do my best. God...