The Plumbline

Up against it, I didn’t know which way to turn; then I called out to God for help: “Please, God!” I cried out. “Save my life!” God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. (Psalm 116:4-6 MSG) If you don't know which way to turn, God is right there. If you need answers, God is ready to answer. If you are feeling powerless, God's strong right hand is there to defend you. If you are discouraged by life's hardships, God is there to comfort and bring hope. Up against it? Call out to God and your help is right there when and where you need it most. Does his help always come in the ways we imagined? I have learned that the answer to that one is, "Not always - perhaps not usually." God's answers come in varying forms, but they are always there! God is a gracious and loving Savior - he knows how to 'make things right' in our lives, beginning wit...

One of the required or mandated "screenings" we must perform in American healthcare with any patient who comes into our clinics, hospitals, etc., is that of "abuse, neglect, or exploitation".  As a result, healthcare providers are obligated to report such suspicions to the various authorities.  A failure to do so could result in serious penalties to the healthcare worker and/or institution. I don't know that these "rules" apply in all countries, though, but they should. Believe it or not, they are scriptural!  There are a variety of individuals in this world who scripture used to refer to as the "helpless" - orphans, widows, and those unable to speak for themselves, such as the mentally handicapped and elderly demented.  As a basis of establishing "fair dealings" with these individuals, scripture warns repeatedly about taking advantage of them.  This may be in the realm of their finances, the use of their time or talent, or even th...