The Plumbline

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.  (Edward Everett Hale) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT) Unity is something we must strive for - it doesn't come naturally to selfish, self-centered humans. We want what is best for us, but we might pursue it at what bears a significant cost to another. We must lay down our own agenda in order to focus on the agendas of peace and unity. Only then will we actually be able to pursue both! Humility and gentleness are the backbone to unity. We should not raise ourselves up while putting another down. We must focus on what brings good to ALL, not just one. We might encounter individuals in our lifetime that seem to pride themselves on what they can do, have accomplished, or 'know' in th...

How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! (Psalm 128:1-2 NLT) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom as scripture says, and to live a fruitful life, one must choose to serve the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul. We cannot expect fruit where there has been no investment in the preparation for that harvest. If we just go out to the garden and expect to always see fruit on our tomato plant, but we haven't watered, turned the soil, sprayed for pesty bugs, and kept them shaded from the hot Arizona afternoon sun, our harvest will be piddly and not really all that enjoyable. Yet, if we do those things, we stand a much better chance of big red, juicy tomatoes. The 'prep' work is important if we want to see a harvest in our spiritual lives, as well. The choice to follow ALL of his ways is one that yields much fruit, but we cannot pick and choose which one of...