‘So that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures… we might have hope.’ Romans 15:4 NIV There is a cute story about a young woman who left home and to attend university. After her first term, she emailed her mother, saying, ‘I think it’s time I brought you up to...

‘For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.’ James 2:26 KJV Could it be that the negative perception people have of the church stems from the negative energy we project? And could it be that our negative energy stems from our...

‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV Your life’s purpose is connected to a specific time and season. In other words, it will have a beginning and an ending. Some of God’s purposes can be fulfilled in a short...

‘Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.’ Matthew 5:41 NKJV Try to picture this: you’re in a restaurant with someone whose meal costs $35, and you’re watching them struggle over the tip. They have $4 left over, and they know that a 10% tip is considered...

‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ Philippians 2:4 NKJV If you are in a position of leadership, try to be aware of how you respond to the feelings, thoughts, and opinions of those around you. What you say...

‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’ John 8:12 NKJV Many of us are waiting for the green light we have already been given. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in...

‘Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.’ Galatians 6:9 NKJV One of the greatest predictors of success in any endeavour is persistence. It’s not only how hard you try; it’s how long you try. We tend to...

‘Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’ Ephesians 4:3 NIV A lady told her friend, ‘My husband and I have a very happy marriage. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for me. And that’s the way...

‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ Psalm 133 :1 NKJV Reason three: temperament. Some people aren’t naturally outgoing. When they face challenges, it never occurs to them to enlist other people’s help in order to...

‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.’ 1 Samuel 14:7 NIV Reason two: naïvety. An old Chinese proverb says, ‘Behind every able man there are always other able men.’ Even if you can do the job yourself, isn’t it wise to stop and ask, ‘Who do I know who could help me...

‘Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, does not receive us.’ 3 John 1:9 NKJV Reason one: insecurity. The philosopher Machiavelli said, ‘The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.’ Insecure...

‘The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.’ Proverbs 12:23 NLT Someone else’s need to know shouldn’t determine your need to speak. When a friend of Jesus wanted to stop His arrest, Jesus said, ‘Do you think I cannot call on...

‘Forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.’ Colossians 3:13 NIV It’s impossible to love anyone fully and at the same time resent someone else. You cannot give total love when your heart is divided. And a bitter heart is a divided heart. You...

‘Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.’ Luke 5:4 NKJV After Peter had fished all night and caught nothing, Jesus said, ‘Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.’ (Luke 5:4 NKJV) After explaining to Jesus that the fish...

‘Do all things without complaining and disputing.’ Philippians 2:14 NKJV Paul writes: ‘Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among...

‘Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer.’ 1 Corinthians 10:10 NASB If you don’t think God takes grumbling seriously, read this: ‘Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an...

‘Consider carefully how you listen.’ Luke 8:18 NIV Some people seem to go through life with a ‘closed’ sign on their foreheads. Whether through fearfulness, selfishness, callousness, or busyness, they’re not open to the thoughts of others. And it can cost you dearly....

‘When my spirit felt weak within me, You knew my path.’ Psalm 142:3 NASB One day you may end up caring for a sick or ageing loved one. And to take care of them properly, you must learn to take care of yourself. Following her parents’ deaths five weeks apart in a...

‘Pursue peace with all people.’ Hebrews 12:14 NKJV In order to resolve conflict, do these: (1) Focus on the person’s behaviour and stay away from remarks about their character. Saying, ‘It was unacceptable for you to open my letter’ is better than ‘I can’t believe you...

‘If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.’ Matthew 18:15 NKJV Few things in life cause more stress than unresolved conflict. It will elevate your blood pressure and consume...