The Plumbline

If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. (Proverbs 14:22 NLT) Plans matter, don't they? I always admired individuals who could seemingly go through life without a plan, just spontaneously hopping from one thing to another, with really awesome outcomes. I was not one of those individuals. Once I learned the value of a list, I started making them! Once I learned the joy of checking things off on that list, I worked diligently to get each and every one of those items checked off. It isn't bad to plan - it is the basis of life. The motive behind the plans is what matters.  Are the plans correct for our life? Is the timing right for the completion of those plans? Will the plans add value to our lives? These are but a few of the questions we must consider when 'making plans'. There are likely a few others, such as will those plans hurt or help others, are they within our means, or will they be realiza...

Benjamin Franklin reminds us, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." To be teachable is one of the greatest traits of a man or woman of God. Without a teachable spirit, one's mind, will, and emotions can run roughshod over one's life. With a teachable spirit, one's talents can be put to use, mind renewed, and wisdom increased. What we learn and how we learn is dependent upon the 'teachability' of our mind, will, and emotions - for without the soul's involvement in learning what the spirit needs to grasp, we often miss the greatest of lessons. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. (Psalm 25:4-6 NLT) God teaches us life lessons each day, but we have to be open to 'catching hold' of tho...