The Plumbline

Defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out . (Edwin Markham)  Most of us would agree with the idea of victory sending us into places of awesome praise and tremendous celebration. Those who win some major sporting event will jump up and down, slap each other on the back, whoop, holler, and even cry in awe at having "done it". The tremendous release of emotion can almost overwhelm, but the sense of "high" which was celebrated with such passion cannot live on, for the moment will pass, memories will remain, but the moment is now behind. On the other hand, one walks away from the "win" as the defeated. Is it possible they could celebrate in similar fashion, for out of the things that shake our very souls can come greatness and character formation not quite found in the moment of gleeful victory?   In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. Wh...

Come, let us worship in song, a joyful offering to the Eternal. Shout! Shout with joy to the rock of our liberation. Come face-to-face with God, and give thanks; with loud and joyful voices, praise Him in songs. ( Psalm 95:1-2 VOICE ) Although I am not a big fan of those who make millions telling others how to make millions, I find it helpful when someone can help those struggling financially to learn to live on a budget or find some freedom from over-spending such as using a prepaid debit card rather than running up large credit card bills. While I am have not attended one of her seminars, or even read one of her books, I came across a quote recently from one such author and speaker: " True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possession you can share. "  (Suze Orman) I am not sure if she meant to, but she connected the giving of one's self to the greatest gift of all. I ...

Our psalm today is filled with the stanza, "His love never quits", not once, but twenty-six times in the same amount of verses.  Do you think God may just be trying to emphasize something here?  Yesterday, I talked with us about not overlooking the obvious - I think this may be one of those moments when God is saying the obvious!  Yet, in repeating this throughout this entire psalm, I think David knows we don't always get the obvious!  Remember what I said yesterday - you need to "get" the obvious, as it builds a foundation for the more "obscure" in your life.  God remembered us when we were down,  His love never quits.   Rescued us from the trampling boot,  His love never quits.   Takes care of everyone in time of need.   His love never quits.   Thank God, who did it all!   His love never quits!  (Psalm 136:23-26 MSG) I began to examine the many ways David outlines the love of God which never quits and here are some t...