You do not move ahead by constantly looking in a rear view mirror. The past is a rudder to guide you, not an anchor to drag you. We must learn from the past but not live in the past.

Jesus asked the Father for his disciples' security, sanctity and unity. Jesus still intercedes for us so fervently because we live in a world that is deceived, dangerous, defiled and divided.

We must never mistake the process for the result...there is suffering; but this is only the process. God isn't going to stop with the process; He wants to produce the final result. Suffering leads to glory; shame leads to honor; weakness leads to power. This is God's way of doing things.

The most miserable prison in the world is the prison we make for ourselves when we refuse to show mercy. Our thoughts become shackled, our emotions are chained, the will is almost paralyzed. But when we show mercy, all of these bonds are broken, and we enter into a joyful liberty that frees us to share God's love with others.

What the majority calls "blessing" may actually be a judgment from God.

We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction. We obey by faith, and then we understand: that is illumination.

Christians have a dual citizenship - on earth and in heaven - and our citizenship in heaven ought to make us better people here on earth.