The Plumbline

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 ...