The Plumbline

Jesus is talking to a large crowd gathered to hear his teaching and he begins to speak in terms of the farmer who scatters seed. Some falls on soil which is hard, barren, and just not going to bring forth any real growth because the seed cannot possibly break through the hardness of the soil. A little falls on soil which is kind of rocky, but with enough mixture of soil that it is at least receptive to the seed - allowing quick growth, but not deep growth. Then he begins to speak of a third type of soil which kind of intrigues me a little. It isn't the fourth type which is fertile, receptive, and able to bring forth deep growth, but a kind of untended soil. It receives what is placed there, but it hasn't really been tended in order to see the optimal growth from that which has huge potential if actually nurtured. I think there are times when we are each kind of like that third type of soil - receptive, but not willing to do the work to tend what we have received. A th...

Awe:  an overwhelming feeling of reverence produced by that which is all powerful.  Some may stand in fear of such a powerful force in their midst, but how about you?  Do you stand in fear or reverence of the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-caring God of the universe?  Does he produce dread, or admiration?  Do you stand before him in fright, or wonder? I imagine there are those who worship at his feet in wonder and astonished honor who sometimes "dread" something bad will happen in their lives - not because they fear that "bad" thing coming from him, but just because we live in a fallen world.  ONLY those who stand in awe of the Eternal God will have intimacy with him - absolutely no one will get to know him on the deepest of levels without approaching him with the wonder and awe he so rightfully deserves. ONLY those who stand in awe of the Eternal will have intimacy with Him,  and He will reveal His covenant to them. PERPETUALLY my focus takes me ...