The Plumbline

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:6-8) Glorious grace - unmerited, unearned, and very frequently unexpected privilege and forgiveness. We do nothing to deserve it and can do absolutely nothing to earn it. Yet, we can revel in the goodness of a God that provides a means for us to enter into close, intimate relationship with him. His kindness supersedes any earthly kindness. Earthly kindness is much more superficial, although it has great meaning, it still falls short of the kindness God extends to us through his Son, Jesus. Along with his kindness comes wisdom and understanding. Wisdom that helps us make new, better choices. Understanding that enlightens us to the pull of sin and the weakness of our own flesh to resist it. We mi...

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1-3) As with all actions, praise is a choice. As Paul tells us, "...let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name." (Hebrews 13:15) I don't think it is unusual for us to allow circumstances or situations outside of our control to influence our choices - we all likely do it on occasion. There is one choice that must be made with a full awareness of what is involved in that choice: Praise. We are determining to praise no matter what difficulty we face - we will not allow those things to control our attitude. Could it be possible that praise is really an attitude? It just might be! Life's tough issues are bound to come to all of us and what we choose to dwell upon in those times will deter...