The Plumbline

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-43) A few years back, one of our grocers had a very well-stocked section in their store with 'overstocked' and soon to expire items. You'd be able to snatch up all manner of 'good bargains' for a very low price. We were able to stock up because of the 'excess' or 'surplus' of those items the grocer had 'over-ordered'. While this may be a good tactic for finding bargains, we sometimes found that by 'snatching up' those good buys, some of the items would go to waste because we...

People may hear your words, but the feel your attitude. (John C. Maxwell) People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public. (Proverbs 26:24-26) One of the greatest forms of 'trickery' is the use of one's words. Some will be kind, but the attitude behind those words expresses anything but kindness. Others will seem harsh, yet the intent of those words were to help you more than you may realize. I agree with Maxwell - the 'attitude' behind the words is most important! The Lord helps us see through words when we seek his understanding in all matters. We may not be able to discern the intent of the one speaking those words on our own, but with the power of the Holy Spirit resident within each of us, we almost 'feel' the attitude behind the spoken words. I...