The Plumbline

It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; it takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. (Proverbs 24:2-3) Ever wonder how some folks have families that look like they are all "put together" in a neat package, while your own looks like it is just barely held together with threads?  The writer of Proverbs gives us some insight into how we are to be "building" our households.  Okay, before you shut me off today just because you aren't married, don't have kids, or don't think this applies to you, hear me out.  There are many forms of "family" in this world and you are in a position of learning to relate in some type of family today.  So, let us take this apart one by one: Wisdom - the chief ingredient of a family relationship is that of wisdom.  Why, you may ask, is this is so important?  If we look at the four main meanings of wisdom, we may find our answer. Wisd...

God is serious business. He won't be trifled with.  (Nahum 1:2) Most of the time, I am not aware of the intensity of the "noise" of that which distracts me from hearing God's voice.  I am easily caught up in the "noise of the moment" and not as easily in-tune with what God is saying or doing in the moment.  God works in tremendous power - but his power is most commonly displayed in quietness and through prayer.  We have all kinds of "maneuvering" we go through before we seek God - we try our plans, we use our connections, we evaluate our resources, etc.  Nahum begins this chapter with a challenge to not trifle with God - in fact, he is telling us that it is definitely time for us to stop all our maneuverings and let God be God in our lives! To trifle means that we account for someone or something in our lives as insignificant, of little value, or of little importance.  The writer is serious in his warning - God won't be trifled with.  He do...

And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; they wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!  God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view! (Psalm 84:5-7) The psalmist declares that "happy" is the one in whom God "takes up residence" - the one that gives him right placement in their lives.  As I read this passage today, I began to ask the question, "Is my life marked by the footsteps and hand prints of God?"  If God "passes through" my life on a frequent basis, my life should be marked well by his "tracks". The psalmist goes on in this same Psalm to tell us that "he doesn't scrimp with his traveling companions" and that it is "smooth sailing all the way with God!"  Wow!  Does that mean that I will never encounter any difficulty in my life if I will just surrender to God...