The Plumbline

“But he knows where I am and what I’ve done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I’ll pass the test with honors. I’ve followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way. I’ve obeyed every word he’s spoken, and not just obeyed his advice—I’ve  treasured  it. ( Job 23:10-11   MSG ) I wonder if this will be our testimony - that we didn't waver in our walk, we kept step with him, not choosing our own way instead? Could it be that it would be said of us that we did more than obey 'his advice', but that we treated each and every word he has spoken as that which we treasure and give that right place in our lives? This is indeed a testimony I think all of his disciples really hope will become theirs, but many times we don't even believe this is possible! Look at what Job recounts for us. He begins with God and ends with himself. All we can hope for is that we really get that right - we begin with God and let self take a backseat to his d...

He keeps the peace at your borders, he puts the best bread on your tables. He launches his promises earthward— how swift and sure they come! He spreads snow like a white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes, He broadcasts hail like birdseed— who can survive his  winter ? Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on  winter —suddenly it’s spring! (Psalm 147:12-18 MSG) The days are getting longer again. It isn't quite as dark when I go to work in the morning and it is a little lighter when I return home at night, allowing me to enjoy a little of my day in 'daylight'. The funny thing about winter is how dark it appears a great deal of the time. I lived in Alaska for about three years and the winters were long. I learned to appreciate the daylight during those years, but those long summer days, although beautifully brilliant with light, were soon forgotten when the darkness of winter set in. The coldness that comes with the lack of sunlight was magnified and ev...

God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (2 Timothy 1:7 MSG) The gifts God gives are truly magnificent - some may try to mimic the true gifts of God, but where there is a true talent given, it shines through. I am not musically inclined, but that didn't keep me from attempting to learn the guitar. Notice, I said I "attempted" to learn that instrument, but to be totally honest here, I strummed a good strum, but somehow couldn't make that instrument 'sing' like others could. I learned the notes, memorized the fingering for some basic chords, and studied lots of hours in an attempt to become proficient. The real crux of the matter is that I wasn't going to learn! I didn't really possess that musical talent that one needs to get 'really good at it'. You just cannot force a gift - it emerges 'naturally' - as though it just fits you like a custom-made glove. If you have received a gift from God, don...