Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (Romans 8:35,37 NLT) I have run across individuals who actually believe troubles in their lives mean they have done something wrong or have abandoned their faith. Troubles are part of life. Calamity comes when we least expect it and usually from sources we have absolutely no control over. Danger surrounds us every day, even when we aren't aware of it. These things don't mean we are doing something wrong. It could actually mean we are doing something right! Satan isn't going to be very pleased when we press into our relationship with Jesus. In fact, he will take notice of us drawing closer to God quicker than he will notice those who only warm the pews on Sundays. He isn't threatened by the 'pew warmers' but he is threatened by those who are praying for things in h...
Confucius said: "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." Reflection is really a combination of what we are learning right now based upon our consideration of past experiences. We are going through something right now, but the events and outcomes of the past play a big part in how we 'interpret' the present situation. We spend time thinking about what we have already learned (past events) and what it is God is trying to teach us right now, don't we? Psalm 119:15 reminds us to study God's commandments and reflect on his ways. Psalm 119:55 tells us the result of that reflection: "I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions." Obedience is to be the outcome of reflection! In observing God's actions throughout scripture, we come to a place of learning when he will act, how it is he will do s...