The Plumbline

But Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. The enemy runs at the sound of your voice. When you stand up, the nations flee! (Isaiah 33:3-4) If you have ever faced an enemy too fierce, too strong, or too intimidating, you know just how much you take great delight when you see the Lord step in, take control, and send the enemy packing. The more we observe what is going on around us in this world today, the more we realize we need a Savior more than anything else. We need a deliverer, a strong army, and all the hosts of heaven on our side, don't we? Every so often, we get a little too focused on what our enemy is doing, and we forget to look at what our Redeemer is doing. Chances are, we might just miss his movements because we are too overly concerned with those of our enemy! Waiting on the Lord to 'move' or 'act' on our behalf is likely one of the toughest things for some of us who are ...

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store. (Dr. Seuss) Maybe we'd find more joy in our Christmas if we really believed this to be true! Christmas isn't about the amassing of things given - it is about the acceptance of the ONE given. There are about two weeks left before the 'big day' when families will gather in homes, celebrating the festivities and wonders of time together. Snow will fall for some, others will enjoy touch football after gorging on Christmas delights. Let us not forget those who are far from home, who yearn for time with family, but whose duties keep them engaged in the fields of battle. Let us not overlook those who will spend their day ministering to the sick and frail, at the bedside of the ones facing imminent death, and helping those who struggle to feel at ease. Let us not gloss over those who walk the streets, searching for their Christmas meal, and hoping for just a little rest from the weariness of living on tho...