“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT). You’ll never find happiness in pleasure, power, possessions, positions, or prestige.You also won’t find it in success, sex, salary, or status. Those are all temporary.Permanent, ongoing happiness only comes when... Continue Reading →
Better to Be Poor and Honest
“It is better to be poor and honest than to be foolish and tell lies” (Proverbs 19:1 NCV). God does not bless dishonesty. Proverbs 16:11 says, “The Lord demands fairness in every business deal” (TLB). That includes wages, salaries, and taxes. If you want God’s blessing on your finances, you must be honest about them. The Bible also... Continue Reading →
Pray for It Before You Pay for It
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy” (John 16:24 NCV). Are you in financial need and waiting for God to help? God has promised to meet your financial needs. He’s just waiting for you to ask for... Continue Reading →
How You Give Reveals Your Heart
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done” (Philippians 3:7 NLT). Every time you give, you reveal what matters to you. Tell me how you spend your money and your time, and I’ll tell you what matters most to you. Your schedule might reveal that... Continue Reading →
Happy People Are Generous
“At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me . . . They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18 NLT). You earn a living by what you make, but you earn the respect and gratitude of others by... Continue Reading →
Look to the Needs of Others
“Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (Philippians 2:4 The Message). The starting point for all happiness is the moment you shift the focus away from yourself. If all you think about is yourself, you’re going to be a pretty miserable person. If you truly want... Continue Reading →
Selective Memory: Focus on the Good Times
“I thank God for the help you gave me” (Philippians 1:5 NCV). Paul wrote the book of Philippians to the church that he started in Philippi, where a woman named Lydia opened up her home and, along with others, welcomed Paul to the city. The Philippian church even helped fund Paul’s missionary journeys. In Philippians 1:5,... Continue Reading →
The More Grateful You Are, the Happier You Are
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (Philippians 1:3 NLT). If you want to have healthy relationships, start with an attitude of gratitude. You will be far happier and enjoy your relationships more if you develop the habit of being grateful for the people in your life.Philippians 1:3 says, “Every time... Continue Reading →
Happiness Habit: Give Your Life Away
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV). Happiness comes from service and giving your life away. Until you understand this, you’re not going to be happy for much of your life. Happiness does not come from self-gratification. It comes from self-sacrifice.Paul knew that to be happy, he had... Continue Reading →
Focus on Your Purpose, not the Problem
“If by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; but for your sake it is much more important that I... Continue Reading →
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