I have a tendency to read Scripture with my virtual elbow cocked, ready to send a nudge the direction of a friend, familymember or acquaintance I think needs to hear. I never really let it fire. No emails, phone calls, notes of suggestive prayers. I don’t even post the inspiring verse on Facebook hoping “God leads” that person to the message. I just think it.
In the process of honing in on the unlucky object of my thoughts and judgments, I miss my message.
Almost did it again today. As I thought of how best to weave Hebrews 13:17 into tomorrow’s Bible time . . . “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Doesn’t every child need that reminder?
I had another thing coming. My path fell more in line with the rebellious Israelites in Amos 7:8, “And the LORD asked me, ‘What do you see, Amos?’ ‘A plumb line,’ I replied. Then the Lord said, ‘Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.’”
God quickly grabbed my attention. So, how do I measure up today? Not my kids, not my spouse, not my neighbors or anyone else, but me. God’s got the plumb line and you know it is straight, clear, and pure. As it hangs there showing plainly the imperfections and slant in my person I realize that I need to spend some more time examining myself.
Confessing, giving thanks, releasing, submitting. Usually reading the Bible is all about God, but today it is all about me. Bringing myself in line with Him.
Thank you, Lord, for a clear standard and a clear call to follow, and for the continued grace when I need to once again be brought back in line. ~Amen
Erin (5intow)
a post from the archives, originally published November 18, 2011.
Sixty-six books in a year 