The Plumbline

My pastor is always saying, "Don't overlook the therefore, because you need to know what it is there for." The use of the word "therefore" is a "joining" word. It focuses us on what has been said up to the point that this word is used - reminding us that based on what has been presented, we can make the following conclusions. In this case, the 'therefore' points us to the fact that ignoring God leads man into a place of ungodly pursuits and God is never pleased with this behavior. We try to get away with our sin, but God is not willing to let us off the hook. He has his eye on us, attentive to our every choice even when we try to mask the conviction of our sin with the pursuit of all kinds of religious experiences - thinking that if we look or sound religious, somehow this will appease the requirement for holiness that God requires of us. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...

You can build a house, or you can build a home. There is a vast difference, for one is just built and the builder moves on. The other is custom built for the one who intends to inhabit it. When a home is created, the one creating it is intent on bringing together all the right materials for what he envisions. The home will have all the 'finishing touches' of the creator.  It is a joyful thing to finally come to a place where we feel like we "fit".  We often spend the majority of our lives looking for that "perfect fit" in life.  We experience disappointment when c areer, schooling, family, friends, spouse, etc., all somehow don't "fit" in quite the same way as we imagined.  The good news is that there is a "fit" in life that will never disappoint! That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong he...

My BFF and I often talk about what we see or hear on social media and the TV nightly news. The days are pretty much past now where we'd be shocked by some of the stuff we see posted and hear talked about in these newscasts - even by those whose positions should dictate they have a little more decorum and tact in what they say. It is this lack of tact and constant pushing back that can actually incite arguments and disagreements of all sorts - even to the point of war. James 4:1 reminds us that wars and quarrels don't "just happen" - they are not forces of nature. They exist because WE exist - humans bring about quarrels and start wars. Humans contend to overcome some 'foe' - whether it is another human being we are contending to overcome, or some habit or interest. We often stand in opposition to that which we don't understand. So it is with our spiritual walk, as well. When we don't understand a commandment, it is easy to dismiss it as too hard to gra...