The Plumbline

We all have those moments in time when we just "feel" like doing something is going to be the right thing to do and we just go ahead with our plans.  There are even time when we kind of suspect there might be a little "issue" with what we are doing, but then we go ahead anyway.  Whenever we just move without fully thinking it through, or getting God's perspective on the matter, we are usually pretty disappointed with the results!  There are times when we have duped ourselves into believing our actions are fully "justified" by the actions of another.  It is like we are saying, "Well, he did this, so I did that" - thinking our actions are "made all right" because of the actions of another.  If they don't think about the outcome of their actions that is one thing - but we have the responsibility to think about how our actions exemplify the heart of Jesus, so we may not want to respond without thinking things through! People ...

I just want to pause for a moment or two today to take a little time for those who are caregivers of one or both of their parents.  In today's rush-rush, get it all done world, we sometimes work ourselves to a frazzle and forget about the many blessings taking care of this loved one actually places in our lives.  I know there are moments when mom, with failing eyesight can't see what she cannot see, creating a little more more work for me in the long run; and her hearing becoming less and less acute, that I just want to throw up my hands and get a little frustrated when I have to repeat what has just been said not once, but multiple times until she gets it.  Yet, in the moments in between those moments of seeing the little extra work, or repeating the same things again, I relish the times we spend just hanging together as companions.  To those who are caregivers, I salute you.  I reach out to you with a heart of understanding, knowing full-well that your life g...

There is something about hearing from someone who cares about us which enriches our soul.  When we most need a word of encouragement, the tenderly spoken words bring us around.  When we need a little building up of our faith, the boldly spoken truth gives us assurance.  When we find ourselves dabbling in things which only bring us harm, the words of admonishment may seem harsh, but there is a heart of love behind them.  The reason the "words" mean so much is the relationship behind them.  It is not always the exact words spoken - it is the heart which is revealed in the words. But now,  God ’s Message,   the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,   the One who got you started, Israel:   “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.   When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.   When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.  W hen you’re between a rock and a hard pl...

As the elections have wound down, one of the things I will admit I will NOT miss is the destructive and ruthless competition of those running for office!  Their endless "tearing down" of another candidate has certainly been evident this go-round of elections, has it not?  I think it is pretty apparent - we live in a world where people just don't seem to fight fair.  It becomes very apparent in times like campaigning for office - not just that this "unfairness" existed exist all along, but the fierceness of the competition seems to bring out the worst in mankind at times.  Paul tells the Corinthian church - it is a dog-eat-dog world out there!  That is not a very pleasant thought to me - dogs eating other dogs - but it definitely paints a graphic picture, does it not?  What's more, he tells us the world just doesn't fight fair.  But...as a believer in Christ, we have a different way of fighting our battles! The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog ...

8  Grow a wise heart—you'll do yourself a favor;    keep a clear head—you'll find a good life.  (Proverbs 19:8) Within these two sentences, two words give us direction, two words describe a condition, and two words reveal the focus.  The two words that give us direction are "grow" and "keep".  The two that describe a condition are "wise" and "clear". The two indicating the focus are "heart" and "head".  Let's dig a little deeper.... Two words of direction: Grow - the first thing that comes to mind when we consider growing is the natural outcome of development in which something or someone increases in size or capacity.  As we consider this in light of our Christian walk, we see growth as more than "natural" development - in also encompasses "supernatural" development.  That is the increase in our capacity that comes from time with Jesus.  One of the least common definitions of "grow...