The Plumbline

The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.   (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ERV) It was Mark Twain who reminded us of the fact, "It is easier to stay out than to get out." It might be helpful to actually use an illustration here. Think of a baby at the high-chair, all ready to eat some mushed up spinach and carrots and spaghetti. He is wearing a bright white t-shirt and his clean little diaper. What is the instinct of most parents just before they sit that plate of colorful food in front of the little guy? It is either to strip the wee one of his white shirt, or to place a bib large enough to cover it! Why? We know the stains that will be inevitable if we don't keep them away from the shirt - easier to keep (or stay) out than ...

As you  serve  the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him!   (Romans 12:11 ERV) The late Peter Marshall said, "The measure of life is not its duration, but its donation." Let that one take hold for just a moment, then ask yourself what it is you have "donated" to the lives around you this week. What are you "giving" of yourself in the relationships you have around you? How are you meeting the needs of those who rely upon you or look to you for assistance? Some will answer that they went to work, provided food on the table, and gave them a roof over their heads. Others will say they wrote a check, made a donation, or joined an organization that supports a cause. I'd have to ask if we are really making that much of a donation in our relationships or toward our "causes", though. There is nothing more important than you giving of yourself - not just your funds. Doesn't our passage tell us to work hard and not b...

Yes, if you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then your Father in heaven will also forgive your wrongs.  But if you don’t forgive others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you do. (Matthew 6:14-15 ERV) Thomas Fuller put it this way: " He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven. " I don't know where you stand today as it comes to this forgiveness continuum, but let me assure you of this - none of us has "perfectly arrived" at this destination! There are ALWAYS going to be new opportunities to cross that bridge time and time again. As long as we are taking in breath, people will be annoying, inconsiderate, forgetful, hurtful, lacking empathy, etc. People will stand in need of forgiveness - plain and simple. Some will be part of our lives - others will merely cross our paths briefly. Regardless - all will need that infinite measure of grace and forgiveness f...