The Plumbline

All those people who didn’t seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as he straightened out their lives. And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it. How could they miss it? Because instead of trusting God, they took over. They were absorbed in what they themselves were doing. They were so absorbed in their “God projects” that they didn’t notice God right in front of them, like a huge rock in the middle of the road. And so they stumbled into him and went sprawling. Isaiah (again!) gives us the metaphor for pulling this together: Careful! I’ve put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone you can’t get around. But the stone is me! If you’re looking for me, you’ll find me on the way, not in the way. (Romans 9:30-33) Kids are like fresh sponges - absorbing not only what they hear, but what they see modeled. Early in their wee lives, they become interested in what we are doing and then they pay clo...

So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now. (I Thessalonians 5:11) In what ways do you need encouragement today? Maybe your family has been under attack by the enemy of God - sick family members, cats acting badly, appliances breaking down, cars demanding repairs you didn't budget for, and kiddos acting out at the worst of times. You just want to utter those words of the old TV ad: "Calgon, take me away!" Remember this - today's worries and problems are best handled in the strength of God, not in yours alone. We get our strength at the feet of Christ, but did you also consider just how much strength we get from each other? If you are like me, you have a great friend who is always there for you whenever you need that encouragement and strength. If you don't have that special relationship with anyone yet, that is where you begin - by prayerfully asking God to bring that person into your life. God never wants us to count on thei...