The Plumbline

33  They came to Capernaum. When he was safe at home, he asked them, “What were you discussing on the road?”  34  The silence was deafening—they had been arguing with one another over who among them was greatest.  35  He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.”  (Mark 9:33-35 MSG) Sometimes silence 'says' it all! There is nothing more 'convicting' than to be called out for one's behavior, is there? When it is done in a kind fashion, out of love and with grace, we can embrace it pretty well, right? To be 'called out' because we are too self-absorbed to see the needs around us is kind of hard at times, but we all have a tendency to drift into the 'what about me' kind of moments and need a little nudge to get back to the 'its not all about me' mode! Over the past week we have been considering prayer - the life of communication and maintained connection. Service to others...

“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly  themselves  before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” ( John 4:24   MSG ) Prayer is part of a life of worship - worship is part of a life celebrating what God's grace has accomplished on our behalf - trust is at the core of both. Grace makes little difference in a life if there is no trust it will "count" or "last". I have received good gifts on occasion that I just know won't last. It wasn't that they were flawed in anyway, but that they were either designed to be consumed, or they wear out because things don't last forever. Grace is based on what God does - on who he is at the 'core' of his being. Th...

God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an  indispensable  weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one fal...