The secret: unselfishness

Let's begin with three short stories that spell out the challenge of building a strong and happy marriage. First story: A man was observing a couple and said to his wife, 'Look at them, they look so happy.' She said, 'Don't be so sure, they're probably saying the same thing about us.' Second sto…

Appreciate your pastor

Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica and says, 'Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do' (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NCV). Consider these tw…

The healing ministry of Jesus

Jesus, who was known in the Bible as 'the Great Physician', spent much of his ministry healing the sick. Read these four Scriptures: (1) 'Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching...preaching... and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then his fame went thr…

God's breakthrough

The Bible says: 'The Philistines went and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?" The Lord said to him, "Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand." So they went up to Baal Perazim, …

Demonstrate your faith

The Bible says: 'While he was preaching...four men arrived carrying a paralysed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof...Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the par…

The past is in the past

Studies suggest that just three per cent of life events are highly memorable. So, over the course of an average year, approximately seventeen experiences will make it into your long-term memory. The other 97 per cent fades into the black hole called the subconscious. But if any of the three per …

Lifted out

Have you ever watched a hamster running on a wheel? The hamster looks outside his glass cage and sees freedom, so he decides to make a run for it. But after a while, he realises that he is not getting anywhere, so he runs faster. He runs until he is exhausted and can run no more. Can you id…

Winners never quit

In some of the world's greatest success stories, you'll find chapters of failure and discouragement. Dr Seuss' first children's book was turned down by twenty-seven publishers. The twenty-eighth publisher sold six hundred million copies, and Dr Seuss' perseverance resulted in helping millions of…

Know your calling (2)

When it comes to your life's calling, here are two more myths that can sabotage: (1) Making the wrong choice can somehow thwart God's will. You don't have to worry on this score because the Bible tells us that the God, '...the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it' (1 Thessalonia…

Know your calling (1)

If you're questioning your calling, author Diane Paddison identifies two thought patterns that may be sabotaging your thinking. (1) It's all about you. Your calling isn't about self-fulfilment; it's about submission to God's will for your life. Many people experience satisfaction from exerc…