The Plumbline

As you read these words, I am about half-way through my vacation, taking some time to "catch my breath" and renew my spirit.  Each time I have the opportunity to get away for a while, I usually create some kind of "countdown"  calendar or clock.  I am blessed to have a "smart phone", so it has an app for "days until" which I can use for this exact purpose.  It helps me to focus on the time I have until I get to enjoy this much deserved break in the hectic routine of my life.  The "expectation" builds as the count gets below 30, but it builds at a frantic pace once it is under 10 days.  Have you ever noticed just how much the last 3-4 days just drag on???  Why is that?  I think it is kind of like a mother about to give birth - the day is approaching, the expectations are high, the moment of "delivery" is imminent, but the agony of waiting is driving you nuts!   God , my shepherd!   I don’t need a thing.  Y ou have bedded me d...

I came across a quote the other day which kind of made me take a moment to contemplate what the author must have meant when the words were penned. The origin of the quote is unknown, but it states, "Life is like a flute.  It may have many holes and emptiness, but if you work on it carefully, it can play magical melodies."  I would like to point out it is not the work "I" do on my life which produces the melodies which are pleasing to the hearer, but the works "GOD" does in my life!  He is the only one capable of bringing melodies out of our empty places, not by "plugging the holes", but by covering them with his grace and love.   I will always show you where to go.    I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones. (Isaiah 58:11 MSG) To be fair, I cannot pick this passage out of Isaiah to stand all by itself without giving you the preceding couple of verses.  They outline some "conditions" God outlin...