The Plumbline

We have all probably heard the saying: Don't Worry, Be Happy! Try that one on for size and you might just find worrying is just a part of life and it is kind of "Pollyanna-like" to just think you can shut it off and "Be Happy". God wants his kids "happy" - but we get this word "happy" confused with a state of mind or euphoria. Instead, we need to learn to think of this as a lifestyle - one of being blessed, even in the midst of conflict. Consider what we know to be true about God. He is listening. One of the things which contributes to anxiety more than anything else is the belief that no one knows the situation we are in. It is comforting to know God hasn't forgotten to listen to our needs. He is ready to rescue. If we are worrying, we aren't looking for a rescue, but rather for a way to rescue ourselves! This may not seem significant at first, but trust me, God's rescue is always going to be better than our own! God is no...

We are all gifted. That is our inheritance. (Ethel Waters) So we must be more careful to follow what we were taught. Then we will not stray away from the truth... The Lord himself first told about this salvation, and those who heard him testified it was true. God also testified to the truth of the message by using wonders, great signs, many kinds of miracles, and by giving people gifts through the Holy Spirit, just as he wanted. (Hebrews 2:1,4) At times, it seems we have nothing 'good' going on in our lives - like life has stood still. If we knew what was going on 'behind the scenes', we might look at the 'stillness' of the moment we are enjoying as a kind of 'present' that prepares us for what is about to come. Even when it doesn't seem like much is going on, we still need to be consistent in our walk. We need to do the things we know to do - using the gifts we have been given to the best of our ability. Why? We are about to be launched into action ...