The Plumbline

Ever hit bottom and find yourself recognizing the extreme depth of the pit that seems inescapable, all while life continues to demand more and more of you and the pit seems to get deeper and deeper? I think all of us have experienced being overwhelmed in some "pit" at one time or another. The impact of the "pit" is determined by the perception we maintain while we are IN the pit. We can continue to look down - seeing only the darkness of the lowest point. We can look outward - seeing only the closeness of the walls surrounding us, seemingly holding us in a position of bondage. Or...we can (and should) look up, taking notice of the glimmer of light breaking in the distance, and take hope! Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. (Psalm 43:5) While David penned these words a long time ago, they continue to have awesome value for u...

Because - what does this word really mean? There were times as a parent when my kids were just asking me all those 'why' questions and all I wanted to do was respond with a resounding, "Because"! You know what came next don't you - "Because why, mommy"!!! "Because I said so" was not always the right answer, but I heard it come out of my mouth on occasion! "Because God says so" is a different story, though. He 'says stuff' that makes things come to life - even the words that seem to 'limit' us mean so much because they keep us safely in a place where life can flourish. Because of the Cross...these words speak volumes. Have you ever stopped long enough to really take an inventory of the many things the Cross of Christ has changed in your life? When you do, you will find the list starts out with really "big" stuff - when you think a little longer, you will find the list begins to encompass some of the things w...