The Plumbline

I cannot help but recall the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson as he penned, "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." When scientists try to explain the creation without the inclusion of a Creator, it is hard for me to understand that way of thinking. The greatness, power, glory, and majesty of the Creator are displayed in brilliance in all he has created - the universe, this earth, our bodies, and even our souls. We might not understand how God made all of this out of a formless void - bringing life from within the darkness of that void - but his power is way beyond our understanding anyway! Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. (I Chronicles 29:11) God isn't going to create and then leave his creation to figure it all out on their own. He is right here, overseeing a...

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Pope Francis was quoted as saying, "Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: 'Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?' If you don't ask those questions, your governance will not be good." The only thing I would add to this is, "Do I listen to God above all others, seeking his will and not my own?" I believe the hallmarks of a great leader are more than the ability to make money or be famous for this or that action. The hallmarks of a great leader and therefore, a great nation, are humility, a willingness to serve others, intentional time with God, listening to his voic...

Riches and honor elude a great many - at least in terms of physical riches and human honor. God's children enjoy not only untold riches, some unmeasured by human eye or understanding, but also the honor of being welcomed into the Kingdom of God. Right standing with God himself is the most significant of honors one can receive, yet some will discount this 'honor' as they bypass each and every invitation they receive to be welcomed into that family. If they only knew just how much they'd receive they might not resist the invitation so much. Perhaps they need us to share the message time and time again, living out that 'message' in our daily lives, until one day they finally realize they need what we have found. I love those who love me, and those who look for me will find me. With me there are riches and honor. I have lasting wealth to give to you. What I give is better than fine gold. What I produce is better than pure silver. I lead people the right way—...

Goodness makes a nation great, but sin is a shame to any people. (Proverbs 14:34) It is GOODNESS that makes a nation great again, not a man, a political party, or an office. It is the people who set their hearts right with Jesus, welcoming him into their lives, and living in such a manner so as to please God who make it great. No one in the past, nor in the future, whoever holds office is capable of filling hearts with goodness - the very ingredient that makes a country 'great'.  God changes the heart of a man or woman who welcomes him into their lives, giving him authority to rule and reign in place of their own pride or selfish will. Is it possible for other things or people to change a man's heart in the same way? I don't think it is, but it is possible to change a person's heart by leading someone into the pathway of sin simply with the use of misleading untruths.  This is why it is so important for us to observe God's actions, see what responses his Son had...

Seek the Lord while you can find him . Call on him now while he is near . Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously . (Isaiah 55:6-7) Three thoughts for us to ponder this morning: 1) Seekers find God; 2) Those who seek also ask for what it is they have need of; and 3) Those who turn to God find he is generous beyond measure. How is it possible to receive what we did not have a means to find on our own, or have our prayers heard in the heavens? Maybe God answered that one for us in the next verse: "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Beyond anything you could imagine - seekers find, those with needs find them met, and forgiveness abounds where it is the least deserved. Seek the Lord  while you can find him . Does this mean we could miss the opport...

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! (Psalm 63:1-3) Growing up in the Arizona desert, I have walked many a dry wash, climbed over huge boulders, and been pricked by more than my share of cacti. It is dry, filled with all kinds of dangers, and barely livable in many parts. Water is not easily found, nor is it readily available if you were to drill for it. Many places have to truck it in right to this day. You can be so 'dry' in the desert that you actually crave water. It doesn't seem all that fertile, does it? What seems like the most 'unfertile' ground in our lives may actually be the place where the greatest growth occurs. Something you may not realize is how many 'distractions' are removed when yo...