Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (NLT) Proverbs 22:1 is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. It still holds true that a good reputation attracts quality people and opportunities into your life like nothing else. There is only one way to build and keep a good name, and that is through the development of character. Character isn’t something you are born with. It’s something you develop as you learn and grow through the seasons of life, and often reflects the standards you set for yourself. For example, when you set a standard to live with honesty and you choose to conduct yourself in ways that improve the lives of …

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7–8 (NLT) All throughout history, scientists and historians have attempted to disprove the Bible—without success. To this day Jesus remains one of the most proven figures in history. Some readily admit that He existed, but they make up things that are found nowhere in the Bible. For example, one popular book said that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married. It even tried to disprove the fact that Jesus is divine, but there are absolutely no historical …

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) Some think that it is a huge struggle to find out what God wants them to do. They believe that He has hidden some sort of great task for them that they may never find. Why would God do that? He wants you to fulfill your purpose even more than you do! God doesn’t mumble or speak in code. When you put God first, seek His wisdom and serve Him, He will direct you. Opportunities to discover your talents and abilities will be evident and direction apparent as you serve God. Some people struggle with …

We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3–5 (CEV) When it comes to your destiny, you need to develop character. Paul taught in Romans 5 that character is developed as we go through hard times and persevere. He wasn’t talking about enduring sickness or poverty, but other difficulties we face in life that we simply have to get through, with God’s help. Actually, sometimes we need to pass tests in life. Life has a way of testing our capacity and our character. Each time you pass …

 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) Being generous has many benefits. It keeps us from becoming materialistic and selfish. It also secures respect, earns trust and builds a good reputation with others. As Jesus tells us, it’s better to give than receive (Acts 20:35) because knowing that we have met someone’s need is so rewarding—whether or not that involves money. Science proves that generosity is rewarding. Researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke used MRIs to reveal that giving activates the donors’ brain reward centres, the same centres responsible for the euphoria associated with sex, money, food and …