The Plumbline

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (Ephesians 4:29) We might just forget that 'words' are a gift. Each and every one we speak has the power to build up, encourage, point someone in the right direction, confirm, or enable. How many times do we hang onto the ones that do just the opposite? We get all hyper-focused on the ones that didn't actually 'do much for us', or actually weren't meant to 'hurt', but we internalized them as something that hurt us. As important as it is for each of us to watch how we talk (the words that come out of our mouths), it is equally as important that each of us begins to 'weigh' the words we hear for their true value and stop focusing on what it is we thought we heard. We can 'take' words so many ways, can't we? I could tell you the sky is cloudy today, and you take it to mean we are going to be stuck inside not doing the things w...

Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact. (George Eliot) Have you ever been guilty of having 'too much to say' on a topic? It is like you cannot wait to get your turn to bring up a point. You are chatting at the bit to just get your opinion heard. Too many times we have much to say on a subject not worth saying that much about! The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. (Proverbs 10:19) This won't be a long lesson today, but rather a few points to ponder about the words we choose to speak. Words aren't always the problem - it is frequently the motivation or spirit behind the words that make the greatest impact. You can say one thing, but your attitude speaks something quite different. Words have an impact - so we must choose them wisely. It isn't just the choice of words it is also the timing of those words. We can have all the right things to say - the point we are about to make is 'right o...

Airspace is referred to as the air available for an airplane to fly in, but it is usually subject to some rules because it is over a particular country or area that is 'maintained' and 'governed' by that ruler or a group of rulers. Airspace can also be that 'space' in your life where you either allow others into or not. You may allow them into that space, but with orders to exercise 'caution' as to where they go or what they bring into that airspace. You may not allow others into that 'space' because you have already determined them or what they bring with them to be of 'dangerous intent'. We need to guard our 'airspace' carefully and always be alert to what is attempting to get into it! A person who talks sense is honored; airheads are held in contempt. (Proverbs 12:8 The Message) Airheads often speak without thinking - just blurting out whatever will "stimulate" the senses of anyone who is in hearing distance. They d...

There is a longing of heart that almost causes one to feel faint. This passionate response is part of the sense of urgency that one has when some condition just MUST absolutely be met - no if's, and's, or but's about it - there is a need and it demands to be met. It is the type of urgency that God wants us to have as it applies to him being the center of all we are and all we do. There is much we long for in life, but not all of it is truly rewarding. Not all of it will satisfy us. Not all of it will keep us going way past the point others think we will quit. Yet, there are words spoken today - words specifically designed to lift your heart, to call you close, and to encourage you to take that next step - words spoken because you have a need that must be met. Words spoken in heaven have a great influence over our lives - they are like the wind that directs the sails of the great ships of the sea! I'm homesick—longing for your salvation; I'm waiting for your word o...