The Plumbline

I often think some people want to walk a different road than they are traveling.  Their way is complicated with all kinds of relationship issues, the path is riddled with things which have spun out of control, and the way is just plain hard.  When I look upon these individuals, my heart breaks.  Their choices have resulted in more hardship and "heart-hurt" than anyone would want to face.  Yet, they often refuse the very advice they need to get them out of the place they are in!   In the same way, I urge you who are younger: accept the authority of the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble.   (I Peter 5:5 CEB) If you have ever encountered an individual like the one I pictured above, then you probably have tried to give them some "good advice".  It may have been immediately dismissed as "You don't know what I am dealing with here", or perhaps it was ...

Before you know it, the Spirit of  God  will come on you and you'll be prophesying right along with them. And you'll be transformed. You'll be a new person!  "When these confirming signs are accomplished, you'll know that you're ready: Whatever job you're given to do, do it. God is with you!" (I Samuel 10:6-7) This passage is taken from the story of the anointing of Saul, the first King of Israel.  Samuel is the prophet in the land at the time.  He had been sent by God to anoint Saul.  In turn, Samuel is telling Saul that he will receive some "confirmation" that God has anointed him.  Those "signs" will be: 1) He will encounter two men at the tomb of Rachel who will share news that his father is worried about his whereabouts and he should return to home; 2) He will come across three men on their way to worship - each carrying a different thing (goats, bread and wine); and 3) He will meet a group of prophets coming out of Gibeah (...

5 "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.  Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that's what I had in mind for you."    6 But I said, "Hold it, Master God! Look at me.   I don't know anything. I'm only a boy!"   7-8 God told me, "Don't say, 'I'm only a boy.'  I'll tell you where to go and you'll go there.  I'll tell you what to say and you'll say it.  Don't be afraid of a soul.  I'll be right there, looking after you."  God's Decree.  9-10 God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, "Look! I've just put my words in your mouth—hand-delivered!  See what I've done? I've given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day!  Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish, and then start over, building and planting." (Jeremiah 1:5-10) Jeremiah was called into his ministry as a prophe...