This caption is so like me. The first cold snap of fall is a shock to my system sending chills down my spine. 'It's cold in here' is a common phrase until my body gets used to it. In the spring tho, after bone chilling temps, the same temperature of the fall can be a welcome relief. Why is this? I think its our perspective on the future. In the fall, we know its only going to get worse and colder. In the spring, we know this is the beginning to warmth and the renewing of everything in nature. They're two totally different outlooks.
What is your perspective on your future/eternity? Are you expecting doom and gloom or a renewed body in Christ? Believers can and do look forward to eternity.
We are studying Revelation in our bible study. Below is a list, from Grace Mayo, of ways we can be pulled away from our love with God.
- Attempting to serve two masters (Mt. 6:24)
- A love of money (1 Tim 6:10)
- A love of position (Mt. 23:6)
- Failure to love our enemies (Luke 6:27)
- Trying to live up to the 'letter of the law' and missing the intent (Luke 11:42)
- Pleasure and convenience (Rom. 14:15)
- A love of self (1John 3:16-18)
- Disharmony, hurt, unwillingness to forgive (Eph. 4:30-5:2; Col. 3:12-14; 1 Thes.4:9-10)
- Failing to love others (1 John 4:20)
- Compromising the Word (2 Tim.1:13)
- Failure to witness (2 Cor. 5)
- Trials (Jam.1:25; 1 Pet.4:12-19)
- Sin (1 John 2:5). Sin is transgression of the law; knowing to do good and not doing it; anything in thought, word, or deed contrary to the standard of God.
- Love of the world (1 John 2:15-17)
Rev 3;15-16 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth
