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April 7, 2009
The Plumb Line of God
God's Methods for Keeping our Life on His Plans |
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Greetings!
Many people think that once God has "saved" their soul that His work is done. In fact, once we are saved, the real work of God begins. Remember, God is the vinedresser and we are the branches. God is constantly pruning to keep His people growing and becoming more like Jesus. To accomplish this difficult goal, God uses His Plumb Line as a standard and a measuring tool.
A plumb line is an instrument that has been used for thousands of years in the construction trade. A plumb line is a cone shaped metal object that hangs from a rope or string. As an example, think of a bricklayer setting a wall. In this case, the plumb line is held from a point above the wall and lowered next to the object being measured, the wall. When the craftsman looks at his wall, as compared to the straight plumb line, he can determine if he is building straight or crooked. The plumb line enables the builder to create straight walls and angles.
The plumb line of God is mentioned in chapter seven of the Book of Amos beginning in verse seven:
"7 Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. 8 And the LORD said to me, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said: " Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore.
This passage indicated that God was setting a standard for His people. A standard that they could work and live from and a standard that He could measure their work with.
The plumb line of God is in use to this day. God is the Master-Builder and we are His creation and handiwork. Our lives are what He is helping to shape and create and we must know His standard and measuring device if our lives are to bring Him glory and be filled with peace.
In the next three devotions, we will discuss three plumb lines of God. Today we will focus on the plumb line of God's Word.
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The Plumb Line of God's Word
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
~ Psalm 119:105 ~ |
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| The Plumb Line of God's Word
God's Word is one of the greatest plumb lines in His tool bag. The Word of God is an amazing standard, set by God Himself, for our correction, doctrine, encouragement and peace. The Word of God is also a measuring device of God for our walk, work and worship.
God's people can easily be led astray by the doctrine of the day or the pundit of the month. However, God is not fickle. He doesn't change and has "no shadow or turning" (James 1:17). Since one of the ways God reveals Himself is through His Word, we can count on the plumb line of His Word to keep our lives straight. Thus, His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
The plumb line of God's Word is a lamp to my feet. This means that God's Word, if I read and trust it, is enough light for the step that I am on. In the building analogy, God's Word provides enough instruction to get me through the work day and keep the building on schedule - and right with the plans. Nonetheless, God doesn't leave us with only daily instruction. No, for the plumb line of His Word also provides a light to our path.
The plumb line of God's Word is a light to my path. This means that God provides, through His Word, enough light to help us through life! He doesn't leave us on day one of the building project. No, God is faithful and true and provides leadership, guidance, instruction and comfort in His Word for the entire journey. God's Word is truly a light for my path.
To use the plumb line of God's Word we must read God's Word. The reading of God's Word will correct most behaviors as God completes a "heart transformation" as we read and acknowledge and trust His guidance. Our part is to allow the plumb line to do it's work and check our alignment with the Master's plan. Are we building straight? Are we building crooked? Do we need to tear our wall down and start again? I don't know where you are at in the process but I do know that the plumb line of God's Word will help you in the building of a great life!
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