The Plumbline

The Golden Rule - I even have a ruler with the words printed on it! This is one of the most common 'rules' of the Bible, often repeated by many an individual who has no idea they are quoting scripture! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Did you ever stop to consider how Jesus opens this statement? If you look closely, you will notice he says these words to anyone who is listening - really listening to what he has to say. The beginning point of all teaching in our  lives begins with listening - then it moves into the doing part. Sometimes we get this backward and attempt to do before we hear! “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,   bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.   If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.   Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do no...

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."    (William Blake)   Make our sons in their prime like sturdy oak trees, Our daughters as shapely and bright as fields of wildflowers. Fill our barns with great harvest, fill our fields with huge flocks; Protect us from invasion and exile—eliminate the crime in our streets.  How blessed the people who have all this! How blessed the people who have God for God! (Psalm 144:12-15 MSG) As I considered a prayer for our land this beginning of a new year, I came across this passage and could not overlook the significance of it as we consider the state of our land's governing officials, those making a living in our work places, and the many who struggle to find some meaning to life in our homes everywhere. A more meaningful prayer could not be prayed! Make our sons in their prime like sturdy oak trees... The oak tree is considered one of the very sturdiest of trees, g...