The Plumbline

Times of transition can be both upsetting and thrilling at the exact same time. We get scared because of what we are seeing an end to something we have held dear or worked with for quite some time, but we are awesomely excited about what may be forthcoming as we take on the new venture. The moment we commit to take those steps forward, we are lambasted with all manner of doubt, anxiety, and maybe even a little bit too much adrenaline! The emotions evoked in transition can be undeniably hard to maneuver through, but when we move from one thing to another, there will always be a little bit of emotional 'build up' experienced in making that transition. Transition is a time of unrest for all of us. We like the familiarity of what we have come to know as "constant" and "secure" in our lives. When transition is called for, we often feel like our "legs are being pulled out from under us". This might be why we are as apprehensive in transition as we appear...

There are just some days when I don't feel like I have it all together.  You know the kind of days I mean - when you hit the ground running and just check off as much as you can, but you know you didn't get it all done, nor did you perhaps do as thorough a job as you would under normal circumstances. We all live extremely busy lives, experiencing this kind of lack of "togetherness" in our days, but it is not to be the "norm" for us.  In fact, God wants us to learn to rely upon him bringing things "together" FOR us rather than us having to do all the work ourselves.  We "enter into" what God has for us - in turn, he enters into us and begins to set things in right order which are kind of helter-skelter within us.  In the end, he begins to effect changes to the things in our days we cannot handle apart from his grace and action helping us to "get through"!   By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for ...

Have you ever felt yourself move from a place of relative safety and security into a place of what most would call "trouble and uncertainty"?  When you do, the immediate response of your body and mind is to begin to muster those hormones we associate with the "fight or flight response" and your mind begins to consider the various scenarios which could play out.  In those short moments from feeling totally secure to the place where you feel like the bottom may be dropping out, your body and mind are responding - but what about your spirit?  In those moments between peace and chaos, what is the response of your spirit?  If you are truly trusting in God alone as your source of protection and provision, you will likely be able to say the chaos doesn't actually disturb your peace! When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, With your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is ...

If you have ever traveled abroad, you know how awesome it feels to just "come home".  The differences you experience when you are in an unfamiliar country range from what you use for transportation, what you eat, to how you communicate.  There are also the differences in dress, living conditions, and weather, just to name a few.  By the end of your "trip", you find yourself settling down into the security and safety of "being home".  When we come to Christ, entering into his family, we find ourselves assuming a new home, much in the way Ruth assumed a new home when she chose to stay with Naomi many years ago (Ruth 1:16-17).  Yet, this "new home country" is not a burden to us because we have pledged our lives to the one whose home it is!    This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You  belong  here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all...

There are times when we get news which seems to take the wind right out of our sail.  The events unfolding appear to be the beginning of something we'd rather not face - like times of transition, downsizing, rightsizing, role changes, etc.  The other day, I was listening to one of my favorite radio stations and heard a little analogy from one of the DJs.  She began to share how she was talking with God about how discouraged she was with her present circumstances - waiting on test results from the doctor, needing to get projects underway and finished at home, work deadlines looming - all making her rather impatient in the waiting.  She then began to tell about how God showed her the purpose of the hallways in her life.  I began to ponder the idea of a hallway being a place between this door and the next - a place of transition.  It is ever amazing to me that God even provides the hallways in our lives so when we are awaiting the opening of the next door, we...

Just outside the hospital, we have a sloped ramp which assists those coming in from the parking lot with walkers and wheelchairs to gradually transition onto the sidewalk without much effort.  This area is painted a bright yellow - neon yellow.  Why?  I think it is to call your attention to the ramp if you need the little bit of "extra help" making the transition, but it is also to call your attention to the "change in elevation" for those who are walking along without assistive devices.  The neon color helps to draw the eye to the area - in hopes one will be conscious of the transition which is occurring in that spot.  I wonder if God has any such "neon" warnings for us as we make transitions with him in the spiritual sense - navigating from one point to another?  The neon color of the sidewalk does more than point out the path for the one walking, but it also marks the potential of falling for those who don't heed its warning of transition from the b...

I'll run the course you lay out for me       if you'll just show me how. I long to obey your commandments!       Renew my life with your goodness. (Psalm 119:32, 40) Renewal or revival is really a process of bringing something back to life again - it has been withered under the weight of time, pressures of experience, or dismay of disappointment.  With revival comes a "re-infusion" of freshness and the possibilities of something new coming forth.  I have been guilty of neglecting my houseplants for a period of time, only to realize it once I see the leaves limply hanging in protest to my neglect!  In the only way they know how to communicate with me, they are drawing attention to show me their need - for that which will bring them revival - water!  God expects us to be as transparent with him - calling out to him with our need for revival. Revival involves us sharing our plans with God and allowing him a...

4-5  Complain if you must, but don't lash out.    Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.    Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.  (Psalm 4:4-5) Transition is a time of unrest for all of us.  We like the familiarity of what we have come to know as "constant" and "secure" in our lives.  When transition is called for, we often feel like our "legs are being pulled out from under us".  This might be why we are as apprehensive in transition as we see to be.  We allow fear to guide our thoughts and influence our actions instead of taking the things we fear to God for his guidance in those times of transition. Transition by definition is simply change - changing from one position to another, a state of "stability" into a state of the "unknown".  When we explore this definition a little further, we also see that it is characterized by times or seasons of transformation.  Transition brings ...