Wisdom on the way for everyday life!

Every day of your journey through life is comprised of little steps, like leaving home for the first time to changing a career or marrying your true love or raising a family. All this while being in strange surroundings and encountering people from different traditions and all walks of life. You can get caught up and easily get off track while juggling duties, relationships and the daily stresses that life throws at you. The challenge is to live up to your faith in a meaningful way. With the Bible as your GPS, make sure you’re on the right way. Check the co-ordinates for the route you want to follow in the book of Psalms.

The Lord guides people in the way they should go

and protects those who please him.

If they fall, they will not stay down,

because the Lord will help them up.

Psalms 37:23-24

He makes me sure-footed as a deer;

he keeps me safe on the mountains.

Psalms 18:33

I look to the mountains;

where will my help come from?

My help will come from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

He will not let you fall;

your protector is always awake.

The protector of Israel

never dozes or sleeps.

The Lord will guard you;

he is by your side to protect you.

The sun will not hurt you during the day,

nor the moon during the night.

The Lord will protect you from all danger;

he will keep you safe.

He will protect you as you come and go

now and for ever.

Psalms 121

Master the art of making the right choices

Regardless of where you might find yourself in your journey, you will be faced with moral decisions. You will be confronted with opposing beliefs and differing lifestyles. While some situations are clearly good or bad, the situations that try your faith the most will not be so clear. Keeping your eyes on God will help you find your way in this world.

Happy are those

who reject the advice of evil people,

who do not follow the example of sinners

or join those who have no use for God.

Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord,

and they study it day and night.

They are like trees that grow beside a stream,

that bear fruit at the right time,

and whose leaves do not dry up.

They succeed in everything they do.

Psalms 1:1-3

Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

Proverbs 16:3

When you’re afraid

It’s exciting moving through life enjoying your freedom and opportunities for personal growth. While this is a good thing, the fear of not measuring up, failing to reach your goals, adjusting to strange environments or rejection by others may cause anxiety in many ways. God understands your uncertainty and sets your mind at ease through the Bible.

“Do not be afraid — I am with you!

I am your God — let nothing terrify you!

I will make you strong and help you;

I will protect you and save you.”

Isaiah 41:10

Trust in the goodness of God

Lord, your constant love reaches the heavens;

your faithfulness extends to the skies.

Your righteousness is towering like the mountains;

your justice is like the depths of the sea.

People and animals are in your care.

How precious, O God, is your constant love!

We find protection under the shadow of your wings.

We feast on the abundant food you provide;

you let us drink from the river of your goodness.

You are the source of all life,

and because of your light we see the light.

Psalms 36:5-9

Stick to your standards

Try to follow the advice below to keep yourself from losing courage when encountering challenges.

Get your daily “Word”

Begin each day with the Word of God while keeping in touch with him throughout the day through prayer. This is the only way to keep your priorities in line with what you believe in.

As you have promised, keep me from falling;

don’t let me be overcome by evil.

Psalms 119:133

I have complete confidence, O God!

I will sing and praise you!

Wake up, my soul!

Wake up, my harp and lyre!

I will wake up the sun.

I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations.

I will praise you among the peoples.

Your constant love reaches above the heavens;

your faithfulness touches the skies.

Psalms 108:1-4

Stand up for what you believe in

There’s a saying that goes: If you don’t like my principles, I have others! Of course the way you look at things changes over time. But there are certain beliefs that remain constant.

How can young people keep their lives pure?

By obeying your commands.

With all my heart I try to serve you;

keep me from disobeying your commandments.

I keep your law in my heart,

so that I will not sin against you.

Psalms 119:9-11

Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Let your words be your witness

When someone bashes your beliefs, don’t be afraid of taking a stand. At the same time, you need to be sensitive to people whose beliefs differ from yours.

Be wise in the way you act towards those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.

Colossians 4:5-6

Get your priorities right

Decide what you must get done today, write it down if it helps, prioritise and work from the top of that list. If something is not possible for that day, then don’t list it! And if you’re really not comfortable with making lists, at least try and work within a broader framework that gives you some direction.

“So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?’ (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.”

Matthew 6:31-33

Seek your happiness in the Lord,

and he will give you your heart’s desire.

Psalms 37:4

Discipline yourself

Make a point of disciplining yourself. If you don’t, no one else will – not even God!

To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn.

Proverbs 1:7

So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.

Hebrews 12:1b-2a

Touch base with God daily

This is the only way to keep your life prioritised and your Christian identity integrated. Refresh your soul daily with God’s words while communicating with him in daily prayer.

I pray to you, O Lord;

you hear my voice in the morning;

at sunrise I offer my prayer

and wait for your answer.

Psalms 5:2b-3

Connect with God’s people

God’s kingdom is a family where we all need each other. Find a church right away and get involved in their ministry. Worshipping with fellow Christians can help keep you strong. Going to church at least once a week can help keep your focus.

Raise your hands in prayer in the Temple,

and praise the Lord!

Psalms 134:2

Sing to the Lord, all the world!

Worship the Lord with joy;

come before him with happy songs!

Acknowledge that the Lord is God.

He made us, and we belong to him;

we are his people, we are his flock.

Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving,

go into its courts with praise.

Give thanks to him and praise him.

The Lord is good;

his love is eternal

and his faithfulness lasts for ever.

Psalms 100

Stay in touch with the older generation

They may be “old” but they’ve “been there and done that”. Accept that they love you and want what is best for you. Besides, you will need their help and advice for the rest of your life.

Don’t forget what I teach you, my son (and daughter). Always remember what I tell you to do. My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life. Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them round your neck; write them on your heart. If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.

Proverbs 3:1-4

Listen to what your father teaches you, my sons (and daughters). Pay attention, and you will have understanding. What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all. When I was only a little boy, my parents’ only son, my father would teach me. He would say, “Remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you, and you will live. Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say.”

Always remember what you have learnt. Your education is your life — guard it well.

Proverbs 4:1-5,13

What are my vision and values?

If we want to be like Christ, as he urges us to be, our values willl be reflected in the way we live. Ultimately the values we believe in are not a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s striving to be like Christ in all we do.

Christ as my prototype

Whatever you believe in and whomever you follow, will shape your beliefs, values and behaviour. As believers, our values are tied to obedience to Christ. Be moulded in the image of Christ - not your peers, parents, co-workers or the culture you live in.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and yet don’t do what I tell you? Anyone who comes to me and listens to my words and obeys them — I will show you what he is like. He is like a man who, in building his house, dug deep and laid the foundation on rock.”

Luke 6:46-48a

“I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.”

John 15:5

Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

Romans 12:2

The truth matters

If Christ is Truth, then it follows that lying and dishonesty separate you from Christ. Being honest is about following in Jesus’ footsteps, for He cannot lie. Learning how to be more honest will also help you keep a clear conscience.

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

John 14:6a

“Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.”

Luke 16:10

“If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31b-32

Christian values in less than a byte

The clearer you can be about what you believe, the easier it is to bring your priorities in line with your values. Paul sums up a Christian lifestyle based on Christ’s teachings as follows:

- Love must be completely sincere.

- Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.

- Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and sisters, and be eager to show respect for one another.

- Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.

- Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.

- Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.

- Ask God to bless those who persecute you — yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.

- Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.

- Have the same concern for everyone.

- Do not be proud, but accept humble duties.

- Do not think of yourselves as wise.

- If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.

- Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.

Romans 12:9-18

What about the Ten Commandments?

The first four commandments guide us on how to love God, and the last six guide us on how to love others.

Jesus addresses several of the commandments and highlights their application in his preaching. He not only condemns murder, he calls his followers to recognise that unresolved anger also destroys others. He not only forbids adultery, but calls his followers to be pure in mind and heart.

“You have heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.’ But now I tell you: ... whoever calls his brother ‘You good-for-nothing!’ will be brought before the Council, and whoever calls his brother a worthless fool will be in danger of going to the fire of hell.”

Matthew 5:21-22a,c

“If you love me, you will obey my commandments.”

John 14:15

Life is WOW!

Life is short so make the most of it by creating memories that you will be able to revisit without regrets later on. Avoid the prodigal son scenario. Anxious to get away from home he enters into a new kind of bondage and seriously messes up.

“There was once a man who had two sons. The younger one said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the property now.’ So the man divided his property between his two sons. After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living.”

Luke 15:11b-13

Young people, enjoy your youth. Be happy while you are still young. Do what you want to do, and follow your heart’s desire. But remember that God is going to judge you for whatever you do.

Don’t let anything worry you or cause you pain. You aren’t going to be young very long.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Be a WOW Christian

That means bringing what you do and say in line with what you believe. If we become like Christ, the values we believe in is more than just a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s being like Christ in all we do.

You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Know where to draw the line

Peer pressure often creeps in when you’re amongst people of your own age group or when you’re in new surroundings and desperately want to fit in. A regular reality check about who you are and what you stand for will help to keep you on track. Remember the old saying: “If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.”

Since you are God’s dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.

Since you are God’s people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:1-5

Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18

May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-9

Be a do-gooder

Make your faith real by being an active believer. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or get involved with a community project. You can be a shining light to your friends on campus or at work by the way you care.

“In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

1 John 3:18

So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.

Galatians 6:9-10

This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God’s presence.

1 John 3:19

Love is WOW!

We love to believe that love is what makes the world go around. True love is wonderful, overwhelming and way out there! In The Song of Songs we read:

Love is as powerful as death;

passion is as strong as death itself.

It bursts into flame

and burns like a raging fire.

Water cannot put it out;

no flood can drown it.

But if anyone tried to buy love with wealth,

contempt is all they would get.

Song of Songs 8:6b-7

And who will ever understand the language of two lovers hopelessly in love with each other:

The Man

Like a lily among thorns

is my darling among women.

The Woman

Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest,

so is my dearest compared with other men.

Song of Songs 2:2-3a

Even the wise old author of Proverbs with all his wisdom could not fathom the mystery of love:

There are four things that are too mysterious for me to understand:

an eagle flying in the sky,

a snake moving on a rock,

a ship finding its way over the sea,

and a man and a woman falling in love.

Proverbs 30:18-19

Sex - a touchy subject

Sex is on the collective minds of most people. There is very little that deters us from engaging in sex, whether it is in a stable, long-term relationship or with a succession of partners. As a Christian, you need to be very clear on where you stand in this regard. The Bible gives definite guidelines about promiscuity. Yet the Bible is very open about the physical attraction between two people in love. Make a point of reading the Song of Songs, a whole book of poetry in praise of love:

The look in your eyes, my sweetheart and bride,

and the necklace you are wearing

have stolen my heart.

Song of Songs 4:9

My lover is handsome and strong;

he is one in ten thousand.

Song of Songs 5:10

However, as with all good things in life, there is a condition attached:

Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God’s glory.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Those who think they are standing firm had better be careful that they do not fall. Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Mind the pitfalls

There is no reason for any sensible person with a reasonable amount of common sense to dread life. But be aware of things that can rob you of your joy and innocence.

Pornography – a deadly virus

Pornography is as old as mankind itself but with modern communication media it has spread to the point where nothing is sacred and even the most innocent among us are tainted. The Bible doesn’t spare its words in condemning sexual immorality:

The body is not to be used for sexual immorality, but to serve the Lord; and the Lord provides for the body. God raised the Lord from death, and he will also raise us by his power.

Avoid immorality. Any other sin a man commits does not affect his body; but the man who is guilty of sexual immorality sins against his own body.

1 Corinthians 6:13b-14,18

So then, let us purify ourselves from everything that makes body or soul unclean, and let us be completely holy by living in awe of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1b

Be “drug and drink” smart

There is no such thing as smart drugs or liquor, despite what TV ads tell you. They make fools of even the smartest people. Yet drinking and taking drugs seem to be part and parcel of today’s social scene. Acknowledge that there might be people in your circle of friends, co-workers or even family who drink or take drugs. Accept that they have made their choice and you’ve made yours. Choose to surround yourself with people that can have fun without using drugs and alcohol to get high.

Drunk is not cool!

The Bible often speaks about the effects of alcohol abuse which apply equally to drug abuse. The author of Proverbs warns that:

Drinking too much makes you loud and foolish. It’s stupid to get drunk.

Proverbs 20:1

Show me someone who drinks too much, who has to try out some new drink, and I will show you someone miserable and sorry for himself, always causing trouble and always complaining. His eyes are bloodshot, and he has bruises that could have been avoided. Don’t let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, though it sparkles in the cup, and it goes down smoothly. The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake. Weird sights will appear before your eyes, and you will not be able to think or speak clearly. You will feel as if you were out on the ocean, sea-sick, swinging high up in the rigging of a tossing ship. “I must have been hit,” you will say; “I must have been beaten up, but I don’t remember it. Why can’t I wake up? I need another drink.”

Proverbs 23:29-35

Loneliness and isolation

There are times in our lives when we feel lonely or isolated. However, it may be for obvious reasons, such as having relationship problems with a spouse or losing a loved one. No matter your age, loneliness can be a big problem as it’s not always easy to find a group of like-minded people to socialise with. Christ, who understands loneliness and rejection, became like one of us.

John wrote:

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son.

John 1:14

The Psalmist often called out to God in loneliness and desolation:

Turn to me, Lord, and be merciful to me,

because I am lonely and weak.

Psalms 25:16

Don’t hide yourself from your servant;

I am in great trouble — answer me now!

Come to me and save me;

rescue me from my enemies.

I had hoped for sympathy, but there was none;

for comfort, but I found none.

Psalms 69:17-18,20b

When you’re at your lowest ebb

Feelings of loneliness often come and go during life. However, if you’re persistently lonely for no obvious reason it can be a sign of depression. In this case, you need to talk about it, either to your family, a friend or a counsellor to get help.

Christ, who experienced the utmost desolation, offers you a place in his heart:

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Join a Bible Study group

This is the fastest way of connecting with people you feel comfortable with. If you cannot find a fellowship group, try getting a Bible study group together. Put up a flyer in your area, shop or even at work, and you will be amazed at the response you get.

“And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.”

Matthew 18:19

Recalculate your destination

If you feel you’re losing your way, don’t be ashamed to ask a fellow Christian for prayer or inspiration. Talk to your pastor for advice.

When my thoughts were bitter

and my feelings were hurt,

I was as stupid as an animal;

I did not understand you.

Yet I always stay close to you,

and you hold me by the hand.

You guide me with your instruction

and at the end you will receive me with honour.

Psalms 73:21-24

The teachings of the wise are a fountain of life; they will help you escape when your life is in danger.

Proverbs 13:14

Don’t forget to upgrade regularly!

Learning new things is a given in any field. Yesterday’s solutions are not the answer to today’s issues. In the same way your faith needs to grow with you. Growth comes through reading and hearing the Word of God as well as studying and praying with other believers.

Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil.

Hebrews 5:13-14

… we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’s full stature. Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent.

Ephesians 4:13b-14

Staying rooted in the Word will help you remain true to your faith. When you are faced with a moral dilemma, knowing the Word will help you make decisions that are in line with your Christian beliefs.

They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.

Acts 2:42

Reach for your dream

Everyone’s journey has a few significant life choices which will determine their success or failure. How can you be sure that the choices you make will be the right ones?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for human beings. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.

Colossians 3:23-24

I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course, my brothers and sisters, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.

Philippians 3:12-14

Discover your gifts

We all want to be doing things in our lives that make us feel great. Everyone has been endowed with some God-given characteristics, features or aptitudes which make you unique. That is why it is important to discover your unique gifts and talents.

So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

Christ is God’s gift to you

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son.

John 1:14

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour.

John 3:16-17

But God has shown us how much he loves us — it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!

Romans 5:8

For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God.

Ephesians 1:7

But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence.

Colossians 1:22

Make prayer your default language

Prayer is the lifeblood of your faith. It creates an awareness of the sacred within you and the presence of God in all you do. Prayer is as essential as breathing. It puts you in contact with the life-giving presence of God.

At that time Jesus went up a hill to pray and spent the whole night there praying to God.

Luke 6:12

Consult with your Creator

At some point in your journey, you might question what you’ve been taught by your parents, friends and others who have had a part in your life. Keep in mind that God remains in control of your life.

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are doomed! They carry out their schemes in secret and think no one will see them or know what they are doing. They turn everything upside down. Which is more important, the potter or the clay? Can a thing which someone has made say to its maker, “You didn’t make me”? Or “You don’t know what you are doing”?

Isaiah 29:15-16

Prayer is a conversation with the living God

Answer me when I pray,

O God, my defender!

When I was in trouble, you helped me.

Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.

Psalms 4:1

Prayer keeps you from sinning

“Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:41

To pray with others means you’re in good company.

“For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.”

Matthew 18:20

Prayer gives you strength in difficult times

You answered me when I called to you;

with your strength you strengthened me.

Psalms 138:3

Prayer is non-negotiable

When Daniel learnt that the order had been signed, he went home. In an upstairs room of his house there were windows that faced towards Jerusalem. There, just as he had always done, he knelt down at the open windows and prayed to God three times a day.

Daniel 6:10

Forgiveness comes through prayer

Be merciful to me, O God,

because of your constant love.

Because of your great mercy

wipe away my sins!

Wash away all my evil

and make me clean from my sin!

Psalms 51:1-2

All-time classic prayer

Often we don’t have words to pray or do not know how to pray. Christ gave us the essential prayer that has sustained Christians throughout the ages until today:

“Our Father in heaven:

May your holy name be honoured;

may your Kingdom come;

may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today the food we need.

Forgive us the wrongs we have done,

as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.

Do not bring us to hard testing,

but keep us safe from the Evil One.”

Matthew 6:9-13

The Bible – your operating manual for life!

Millions of Christians all over the world believe that the Bible is the Word of God. They read it regularly, study it and regard it as a guideline for their lives.

The Psalmist says in: Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to guide me

and a light for my path.

The Apostle Paul confirms the value of the Scriptures in our lives:

Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.

Romans 15:4

The Bible speaks to you

The Bible is not like an instruction manual or a website offering neat answers and ready-made solutions to various questions and problems. This book speaks to you when you are open to hearing the Word of God and making it part of your daily life.

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

The Bible is your GPS

It covers a wide range of issues, events and real-life situations that confront readers today. Many of these questions are addressed by way of example, advice and admonishment, as well as direct instructions.

If, at times, it seems as if there is no Scripture passage which can be applied to a specific matter, there are usually broad principles that may be used as guidelines, e.g. the first commandment, “Worship no god but me” not only refers to images of idols, but also to any possession or object that a person favours above God.

The Bible is like a mirror

This is not only a book to consult in the hope of finding help; it is also a book in which we recognise ourselves and learn to know God, as believers have done throughout the ages.

Ultimately, believing the message of the Bible and making it part of your life is a matter of faith. Make the Bible part of your “going out and coming in” by looking up the following Scriptures and storing them on your “hard disc” for quick reference for advice, encouragement and fast food for the soul.

An unforgettable journey!

Make a point of looking up these verses. It could be the beginning of a Wonderful, out of this World experience with your Creator in the knowledge that:

... in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28b

The Bible shows us what the world needs

Faith

Mk 9:23; 11:22

Faithfulness

Jas 1:12-15

Goodness

1 Pet 3:8-17

Happiness

Ecc 7:14; Prov 15:13; Ps 118:24

Healing

Lk 4:18-19

Hope

Ps 119:114; Rom 15:13

Humility

1 Pet 5:5-6

Joy

Jer 31:13; 1 Thes 5:16

Love

1 Cor 13

Love for each other

1 Pet 4:8

Patience

Jas 5:7-11

Peace

Is 26:3; Phil 4:6-7

Self-control

Tit 2:1-10

Trust

Is 12:2; Prov 3:5

Wisdom

Prov 1:7

Witnessing

Jer 1:4-10; Acts 1:8

The Bible teaches us about faith

Profess Jesus Christ

Rom 10:9-10,13

Turn away from sin

1 Jn 1:8-9

Believe in Jesus

Jn 6:47

God’s love

Jn 3:16; Is 54:10

Jesus our Saviour

Jn 4:42; 1 Tim 2:3-5

Accept Jesus

Mk 10:15; Jn 1:12-13

The Bible shows us why we live

To serve God

Josh 24:15

To be like Jesus

2 Cor 3:18

To do the will of the Father

Jn 4:34

To seek the kingdom of God

Mt 6:33

To glorify God

Rom 15:5-6

To complete the race

Acts 20:24; 1 Cor 9:24

The Bible teaches us how to live

Gladness

Phil 4:4

Gratitude

Ps 136

Obedience

Acts 5:29; Jas 4:17

Integrity

Jas 5:12

Victory

Rom 12:21

Perseverance

Josh 1:6-9; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 12:1

Joy

Ps 16:11; 1 Thes 5:16

Freedom

Gal 5:10-16

Truth

Jn 8:32

Doing what’s right

Jas 1:2-8

The Bible offers comfort and strength

Poverty

2 Cor 8:9

Encouragement

Is 40:31; Ps 28:7

Depression

1 Kgs 19:3-12

Death

Jn 14:1-14

Hopelessness

Neh 4:1-23; 6:15-16

Exhaustion

Is 40:29-31

Comfort

1 Pet 5:7; Ps 146:8-9; 147:3

May God, the “author” of this book, inspire you to understand and believe his personal message to you, while keeping in mind this little piece of advice from Paul to:

Be children so far as evil is concerned, but be grown-up in your thinking.

1 Corinthians 14:20b

Roadmap for Life

First digital edition 2015

Bible text: Good News Bible (Today’s English Version)

© American Bible Society 1976, 1992

© Bible Society of South Africa 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this book may, without prior written permission of the publisher, be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, either through photocopying, writing, audio recording, or any other system for information storage and retrieval.

Published by the Bible Society of South Africa, P O Box 5500, Tyger Valley 7536, Bellville

www.biblesociety.co.za

Epub-format ISBN 978-0-7982-1877-1

Mobi-format ISBN 978-0-7982-1878-8

PDF-format ISBN 978-0-7982-1879-5

Bibles and audio Bibles are available on the BibleSA-app

Table of Contents

Wisdom on the way for everyday life!

What are my vision and values?

Life is WOW!

Love is WOW!

Loneliness and isolation

Make prayer your default language

The Bible – your operating manual for life!

An unforgettable journey!