The Plumbline

The Eternal’s purposes will last to the end of time;   the thoughts of His heart  will awaken and stir  all generations. (Psalm 33:11 VOICE) When we understand the intended result of something, we are more likely to either move toward it because it is good for us, or we move away from it because we see it won't bring anything good into our lives.  The movement toward or away from something is solely based on what we see as the "purpose" and the "outcome" of the thing.  The desired result may be understood, but us "getting that result" whenever we try to get it may not always work.  In fact, what I have learned from playing some of the video games I have struggled with like those "matching games" is that we try way more than we succeed in life until one day we develop an awareness of what is supposed to happen to help us pass that level.  To be truthful here, sometimes it is just by accident I actually find the key to passing the level I am...

It is important to actually understand what Christianity is and is not. I hear people say things like, "If I went to church as many days a week as some people do, I'd be very religious." This is a very truthful statement as "going to church" can make us quite "religious" while we totally miss out on relationship with Jesus! We are church "attendees", but that doesn't necessarily guarantee we are actually changing into the image of Christ, becoming more genuine in our "living out" of the character of Christ in us. What often happens is that we get more "staunch" in our beliefs, but less tolerant of the "real problems" people have to struggle through as they maneuver through life. Life which is just "religious" isn't going to embrace others when they are pretty messed up in life's issues. In fact, some of the most "religious" people reject people with very real problems, hurting...

Release your heart’s joy in sweet music to the Eternal. When the upright passionately sing glory-filled songs to Him, everything is in its right place.  Worship the Eternal with your instruments, strings offering their praise; write awe-filled songs to Him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing to Him a new song; play each the best way you can, and don’t be afraid to be bold with your joyful feelings. (Psalm 33:1-3 VOICE) Sometimes I think about why God created some of the things he did. The Cholla Cactus, for example, are kind of prickly and pretty much a nuisance if they get you while you are walking along unsuspecting of their "attaching" capabilities.  Bamboo can transform a backyard into a jungle-like adventure, but get it started in your yard and be prepared to be overrun by that prolific stuff in no time!  Scorpions must have some "redeeming" quality, but I am not sure what that could possibly be!  Slime in the bottom of your free-standing pool really isn...