Rejoicing in hope, patient [persevering] in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. —Romans 12:12 To pray, to love, to forgive—that's the way to have a happy soul and walk into a bright future. When life is though, we need a strategy to handle all challenges and the strength to do it. To pray, to love, and to forgive is such a strategy. Recently I was in conversation with a friend who has many burdens to carry in daily life and I shared the struggles and difficulties i

[Jesus] got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. —John 13:4-5 Jesus the Servant-Leader When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples He did it in humility and servanthood, in order to show love, and pave the way for the most important commandment: 'love one another' (John 13:34). True leaders serve in

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucifed Him, and with Him two other men, one of either side, and Jesus in between. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, "Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews." —John 19:17-19 The Road to the Cross was Lonely... The road to the cross was lonely, yet the Saviour walked that lonely ro

Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding. —Jeremiah 3:15 NASB Summary Leaders matter because they have influence over people, impact their lives and can shape their future. Scripture has a high standard for leaders, from exemplary maturity (character) to competent service (charisma) to impartial administration and people management (conduct). Leaders will have a stricter judgement, especially the teachers, because of

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. —John 10:11 The Good Shepherd Jesus referred to Himself, among other things, as the 'good shepherd' (John 10:11, 14). The figurative language of 'sheep' and 'shepherd' speaks of care, provision and protection in a time when many people where shepherds of animals. This description was a reflection of His nature, His character, and His role in the lives of His followers. Jesus is the good Shepherd who w

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. —Matthew 11:28–30 Rest and Peace in Christ Jesus invites us to find rest for our souls—rest in Him. His invitation is to come to Him and learn from Him. Jesus invites us to find rest for our souls—rest in Him, rest in His presence and rest in His

Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. —Psalm 37:3-4 Introduction Sometimes life hits us hard. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Sometimes we cannot make sense of what is happening and we feel hopeless in the face of destruction. Life's circumstances can be bitter, but we don't have to become bitter. The beautiful story of Ruth and Naomi is a stor