The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God's view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment.

The most damaging aspect of contemporary living is short-term thinking.

How does God teach me love? By putting me around unlovely people. How does God teach me joy in the middle of grief? Not happiness, which is based on happenings. How does God teach me peace? Not when I am out fishing and everything is going my way and it doesn't get better than this. But in the middle of chaos. How does God teach me patience? By putting me in His waiting room.

God is far more interested in what you are than who you are.

The greatest things in life are not things.

When God gives, he holds nothing back.

Familiarity breeds complacency.