The Plumbline

3-5 A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! (James 3:3-5) Each one of us has the ability to lay a foundation by the words we speak.  The foundation can be one of strength, or be something that is shoddy and of no value.  We build upon the foundation that is laid - a building without a foundation is really not very secure.  I have often taught that what we think is the foundation for our actions - it influences what we become!  That is why it is so important to recognize that we need to make active choices about what occupies our minds. Our passage today speaks to us of "control" over our speech.  How does this relate to a "foundation"?  Simple - the words we speak are foundational to all our relationships!  I once heard it...

4-8  Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place!    We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse.    All your salvation wonders are on display in your trophy room...       Dawn and dusk take turns calling, "Come and worship."  (Psalm 65:4-8) There is a difference between being a "visitor" and being "at home" in someone's home.  The visitor may only come as far as the living room or kitchen - two of the most common areas we congregate in our homes.  Seldom do they go to the bedroom or look inside our closets.  Even one that enters our living room is not quite as "at home" as the one that sits at the kitchen counter with us, chatting freely about their day.  Our psalmist points us toward being more than a "visitor" in God's house - in his presence.  Sometimes we barely make it to the front room sofa in God's presence!  We experienc...