The Plumbline

How many times do we find ourselves hoping we have been able to "get in on a good thing"? Indeed, it is inevitable - we miss the "window of opportunity" by a fraction of time! If only we had been a little quicker on the uptake! Getting in on the best might mean we have to be in the right place at the right time, or know the right people and make more right connections. The fact is that rarely are we in the 'right place' with the 'right people' making the 'right connections' 100% of the time! We want to live protected lives, but we aren't within the shelter we need to be under. We want to live fulfilled lives, but we aren't doing the things that fulfill us to the fullest. If we want in on the "best", we have to be in a place where we can achieve the "best". The Lord protects pure people all their life. Their reward will continue forever. When trouble comes, good people will not be destroyed. When times of hung...

Virgil was a Roman poet of long ago, but these words remind us of the importance of considering where it is we both sow and reap: " Consider what each soil will bear, and what each refuses ." The type of soil is important because it directly correlates to what will be either accepted and produce, or what will be rejected, leaving good seed to become withered or choked out in time. What is the soil of your heart really like? At this very moment, would you say your heart's soil is well-cultivated, capable of bearing a bountiful harvest? Or would you say there are portions of your heart that haven't embraced anything worthwhile in a good long while? It could be we need to listen to what God is telling us about the condition of our hearts - because the good seed will never be embraced and produce a good harvest if the soil is never prepared! Can papyrus grow tall on a dry land? Can reeds grow without water? No, they will dry up before harvest. They will be too small to ...

There always comes a time when we are the ones who need to hand over things to the next successor in the group, family, or nation. As we do, we often find ourselves willing to give a piece of advice or two that may help our successor in their mission. We have learned things along the way and we don't want our successor to find them out the hard way. One piece of advice I'd give anyone in leadership is to stay alert! Why? It is because the work isn't not done - there are still challenges ahead that will need to be dealt with. I'd also challenge them to stay strong and steady! Why? There will come much influence around them to do what would ultimately get them into big trouble if they aren't prepared for it. In truth, I would like to advise each leader to live by the principles God set out in his Word. "Now, vigilantly guard your souls: Love God, your God. Because if you wander off and start taking up with these remaining nations still among you (intermar...