The Plumbline

"Treasure your relationships, not your possessions." (Anthony J. D'Angelo) There are all kinds of treasures we 'seek', 'find', and 'maintain' in life, but the greatest treasure is that of relationship - first with God and then with others. We can never neglect the importance of each of these, for our very sanity and safety depend upon them! Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence. (Psalm 24:3-6) Relationship with God actually brings us to a place in our lives where we are made 'right' in our daily walk. In other words, we have our sins erased, minds renewed, hearts made pure, and spirit energized by him. As a result, we are free to relate to one another in a way unlike any way ...

How many times do we find ourselves hoping we have been able to "get in on a good thing"? Indeed, it is inevitable - we miss the "window of opportunity" by a fraction of time! If only we had been a little quicker on the uptake! Getting in on the best might mean we have to be in the right place at the right time, or know the right people and make more right connections. The fact is that rarely are we in the 'right place' with the 'right people' making the 'right connections' 100% of the time! We want to live protected lives, but we aren't within the shelter we need to be under. We want to live fulfilled lives, but we aren't doing the things that fulfill us to the fullest. If we want in on the "best", we have to be in a place where we can achieve the "best". The Lord protects pure people all their life. Their reward will continue forever. When trouble comes, good people will not be destroyed. When times of hung...