The Plumbline

This past winter was a bear for many in the Eastern half of the US and those in Canada.  The winter storms just lingered and lingered, slamming the affected with tons of snow, damaging winds, and ice storms galore.  What I heard over and over from those living in those "winter places" was the overwhelming theme of "Isn't this enough already".  The idea of frustration with one season which seemed to linger way too long for their liking just came through loud and clear!  What we often fail to recognize is the value of the present season in preparing us for the next! You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. (Matthew 5:5 MSG) The idea of "meekness" is really one of being under control.  Notice, I did not say being IN control - it is the attitude of spirit which remains UNDER control during the seasons which seem to linger just a litt...

Today we will examine our "M" List - let's call it the "M&M's" of spiritual character: Mercy and Meekness.  Most of us really don't use the word "meek" or "meekness" in our vocabulary all that often, so we will do well to refresh ourselves on its meaning.  Mercy seems to be something we pretty much understand - at least in theory, if not in perfect practice yet in our lives!  The Sermon on the Mount is the location for our two passages today - the first describing the character trait of meekness, the second mercy.  Let's dig in... “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought." (Matthew 5:5 MSG) “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for." (Matthew 5:7 MSG) Now, you may not have seen either word in these passages, but if you go to a more "...