The Plumbline

My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. (Proverbs 8:8-11 NLT) Nothing more to be desired - nothing more to be gained. Wisdom that comes from the heart of God is all we need or could ever desire. Whenever we choose his instruction as our guide, we are choosing to lay down our rebellious way of living and the wisdom our present world-system might tell us is important. We choose to listen to one voice rather than to a multitude of 'worldly counselors' and 'doomsday naysayers'.  Wisdom that emanates from the throne of God is more valuable than any earthly knowledge we can amass, yet we seem to seek it after all our earthly wisdom has failed us. Why is it we rely so heavily on what might prese...

Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. (Romans 3:19-22) No one can be made right with God - except by placing their faith in Jesus Christ. No other road to redemption exists. No amount of self-help will truly 'help' us behave with a truly righteous heart. The 'law' may point out where we need help, but we are powerless to 'help' ourselves - we have to trust in Jesus to truly make our hearts new. God has shown us the way, bu...

Jesus answered, “All who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them. My Father and I will come to them and live with them." (John 14:23) Love Jesus? Then we will obey ALL of his teachings. Love Jesus? Then we can be assured of his heavenly Father's love for us, as well. Love Jesus? He dwells within you and is ever-present with you through all of life's journeys. We probably live somewhere between totally believing these things and 'kinda' believing them (in a selective way). The more 'selective' we are in believing these truths, the more we will struggle with understanding and living within God's love. God isn't selective in who he loves. He loves the whole world - even those who don't know him yet. He provides for their salvation - even though they don't realize they need it. He pursues them with his intense love - even though they have no idea they are 'under pursuit'. If God isn't 'selective' in his love, ...