The Plumbline

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4) Charles Spurgeon reminded us, "Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of." While none of us actually look forward to trials, it is possible to develop a mindset that embraces the concept of trials helping our faith to grow. We might not actually have 'open arms' when it comes to facing discouragement, anxiety, or even an all-out battle of the wills, but it is possible to become comfortable having our 'spiritual comfort' disturbed from time to time. Why? We know discomfort in the spiritual realm will produce things of lasting value within us. Pressure might just make us feel like somethin...

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? (Isaiah 43:19) There have been plenty of times when God has begun something new in my life, all the while with me being absolutely clueless about what was going on. When he sets out to change my circumstances, I may not understand how he will work, I just know he is working. When he sets out to change my heart, I may even resist a little because I am kind of hard-headed at times. If you are anything like me, you may see God is at work, but you are a little baffled by what he is doing or the methods he is employing in doing his work. Don't worry or resist - ask for wisdom and then watch closely. God's work may begin with a 'big bang' kind of moment - all things in a state of upheaval. His plan isn't to destroy us - but it may feel like it at times. We won't resist the change as much if we keep seeking his face in the midst of it. God's work may begin a little less 'rigoro...

Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. (Romans 10:1-4) Could we substitute "Israel" for anyone we know, including ourselves? It is likely we know someone, (or are someone), who has a great deal of enthusiasm for the 'things of God' but lack a personal relationship with him. They are 'rule-followers' at best, kind of hoping all the 'good deeds' they manage to accomplish on this earth will somehow find them favor with God. They 'refuse to accept God's way' - always trying to 'get ...