The Plumbline

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8 NLT) Our psalmist gives us insight into victory in our lives. He says it quite clearly: "Let all that I am wait quietly before God." Why? There is no greater hope than his protection and his 'oversight' of our lives. We might think it is a bit of a waste of time to take time each day to center ourselves on him, studying his Word, and just getting his insight. If we want a life filled with the 'unknown' and 'chaos', this might be the way to go. If we want one of order and insight, we might want to try waiting quietly before him for even a little while! Waiting doesn't mean we aren't doing anything. It means ...

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:6-8 NLT) In his grace - we have been given - no one is left out. Too many times, I hear believers say they aren't 'gifted' with certain 'talents' or 'abilities', but they totally neglect to even ask God how he can use their unique talents or abilities. You may not be called to preach from the pulpit, but you might be able to mow a senior's lawn. You might not be great with bookkeeping, but you can watch a frazzled mom's kiddos while she gets a much-deserv...