The Plumbline

Jesus said, “Sign on with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.” (John 6:29 MSG)  Believe in the one he has sent - be part of his family - this is the offer to us today. So many will still try to do it on their own, even though they have the best offer ever. If someone told you'd they 'pay the price', whatever that price entailed, for something you really needed, would you walk away from the offer? You need a new roof - someone says you can have all the work done at no charge to you, just become an advocate for their services - would you do it? Most likely, you'd accept the offer, becoming one of the very best advocates for their work. Why? You received something that you needed desperately, and the 'work' was all done for you. Well, Jesus offers a gift bigger than a new roof, more important than anything else you ever will stand in need of, and he does so at a 'price' that is already 'paid in full'. Do...

But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food. (Job 23:10-12 NLT) I have followed his ways and not turned aside. Wouldn't that be the best testimony you could hear when you meet God face-to-face in eternity? To have followed so closely that your ways were consistent, your heart was totally in tune with his, and your desire to know and follow his commands were like 'daily bread' to your soul.  What we fail to read in this passage is the way this is proven. And when he tests me...those are the words we want to skip over, aren't they? We don't like the 'testing' of our faith. We might even resist it a bit. To be honest here, it isn't news to anyone that we resist - testing is hard and we don't mind the easy path. We want to goodness of his ...

"Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” (Joshua 1:9) I was reminded of this verse today as I listened to that song by Hillsong Worship, "Never Walk Alone". The chorus speaks volumes:  I have never walked alone; I’ve never been abandoned. You are my inheritance. You are my strength and shield; and I have confidence. You go before me; You’re my deliverer - I know I never walk alone.  Never walked alone - not gonna start now. Never abandoned - why should I think I might be left behind now? I have an inheritance beyond my imagining - not on this earth, but into all of eternity. My strength won't falter - my protector is at my side. I can stand assured because if God is with me, nothing (and I mean nothing) is gonna get me down! Too many times we walk what I will refer to as a kind of 'incongruent' life. We are kind of timid when we should be standing strong. We get down on ourselves and heap gui...