Page 76 – Guideposts Articles

6 Tips from Scripture for Success

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by sciancanellis

What is success? Wealth? Fame? Power? Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking, defined it this way:

“After decades of experience, I am more confident than ever that the Bible’s principles can help anyone anywhere live more effectively. Real success is the spiritual process of developing a mature and constructive personality through which we can accomplish our highest objectives, with the help of God.”

The Scriptural principles of faith, determination, positive action, moderation, goal-setting and perseverance contribute to achievement in both the spiritual and the material worlds. God gave Joseph success in everything he did: “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man…the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand” (Genesis 39:2-3).

If you want to be successful, follow these six steps:

1. Put God first.
God promises that when you put him first, you can accomplish everything you need to. “The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11).

2. Go for the goals!
Focus on the goals God leads you to; give time and thought to achieving them. Proverbs 12:24 promises: “ Work hard, and you will be a leader….”

3. Dream big.
Think of the Bible heroes you have admired all your life: Abraham, Moses, David, Paul. They were men of courage and faith who accomplished great things—with God’s help.

4. Stick with it.
The Apostle Paul concentrated on one thing: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Make sure your goal is the right one—and then give it your full effort!

5. Motivate yourself.
Every day, expect to do great things. Think positive thoughts. Fill your mind with affirmations, like this one found in Chronicles 22:13: “Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

6. Gather good support.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 9-10). Look for people who share your values and your faith.

6 Tips for Spiritual Wisdom

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by sciancanellis

The Bible has a great deal to say about wisdom. Throughout Scripture, it is esteemed above wealth or military might. When God granted King Solomon one request, he asked for wisdom—and Solomon became one of the mightiest kings of all time. “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29).

Again and again the book of Proverbs urges its reader to grasp this most precious—and practical—possession. “My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion” (3:21). “Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse” (2:12). “A person’s wisdom yields patience” (19:11).

Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is sound judgment and discernment. It is knowing what to pursue and what to let go, what to long for and what to flee. Where does wisdom come from? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding” (Psalm 111:10). “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

A friend of mine has six gems of wisdom which he repeats almost every day:

1. “To live long, live slowly.”—Cicero

2. “The way of a superior man is threefold: virtuous, he is therefore free from anxiety; wise, he is therefore free from perplexity; bold, he is therefore free from fear.”—Confucius

3. “Sit loosely in the saddle of life.”—Robert Louis Stevenson

4. “Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you. Everything passes except God; God alone is sufficient.”—Saint Theresa

5. “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”—Isaiah 30:15

6. Then finally, and most importantly, the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Let us pray to God today to help us “gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)!

6 Spiritual Secrets to Good Health

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by sciancanellis

There are certain spiritual laws that contain the secret of good health, and if we will try to discover these laws and obey them, our chances of remaining healthy through the years are greatly increased.

1. Avoid pessimism and gloom.
More and more, science is discovering how closely mental attitudes and physical conditions are related. Bleak, downbeat thoughts seem to block the flow of vitality and energy. Conversely, laughter is a tonic.

“A merry heart,” says the Bible, “does good like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Of course. It is a medicine! Gloom and gladness are both states of mind, and you can choose which one to practice.

2. Rid yourself of resentment.
Bottled-up anger usually seems to strike the possessor of it at some weak physical spot. Ask God for the strength to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

Resentment, hatred, anger, guilt—these things are like splinters in the soul. Unless they are removed they will fester and ultimately poison the whole organism.

3. Forget about yourself.
This is never easy to do, but there are great curative powers awaiting anyone who will start thinking less about his or her own problems and more about the problems of others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

4. Cling to the lifeline of work.
Many people fail to recognize the health-giving power of work. They regard work as something inherently unpleasant, something to be avoided whenever possible. How wrong they are!

To work hard at something challenging, something you consider worthwhile, is probably the best health insurance of all. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Work can be a source of health and strength…when you let it.

5. Look forward, not back.
If you dwell on old mistakes, if you brood about past failures, if you go around lamenting what might have been, you are blocking that flow of energy and well-being which we call good health. If, on the other hand, you look forward to tomorrow eagerly and enthusiastically, if you make optimistic plans and dream hopeful dreams, your body will prepare itself almost instinctively to supply the energies you will need.

Take the Apostle Paul’s advice: “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” Philippians 3:13).

6. Seek the Great Healer.
In one of the most beautiful scenes described in the New Testament, Jesus was on a plain near the sea. A great multitude had gathered. The Bible says, “And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all” (Luke 6:19). The Revised Standard Version renders this text: “…for power came from him and healed them all.”

The Bible also says that Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He has not lost His ancient skill. The multitudes still gather today, you and I and all of us. And I tell you in His name that if we seek to touch Him, really seek to touch Him, power will come out of Him and heal us all.

How does this healing power operate? It heals the body, but that is secondary. The real sickness of man is in his mind and in his soul. And this is the part that Jesus Christ makes whole. When you are whole in soul and mind and body, you live with power and with joy.

And that is the true secret of radiant, lifelong health.

6 Prayers God Most Wants to Hear from You

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Bob Hostetler

God loves it when we pray.

He loves it so much that the Bible tells us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV). And, judging from the prayers that are recorded in the Bible—especially those in the Psalms—He will hear and respond to all kinds of prayers, whether we’re celebrating, complaining or crying.

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But there are some kinds of prayers He most wants to hear from us, at least if the “sample prayer” Jesus gave to His followers is any indication—and who would know better than Jesus?

Measured by the Lord’s Prayer, these are the prayers God most wants to hear:

1) Affirming Prayers
When Jesus prescribed a way of praying for His earliest followers, He started, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9 NIV). This suggests that God wants to hear you identify with Him and affirm that you are His child, establishing your place in His family.

2) Prayers of Praise
The Lord’s Prayer continues: “hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9 NIV). Elsewhere, the Bible says that God is “enthroned” on the praises of His people. So, go ahead and praise Him for His attributes such as His holiness, power, glory, love and kindness.

3) Prayers of Submission
Jesus also instructed His followers to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 NIV). This is a prayer of submission and participation in God’s will and ways. It indicates that God loves to hear you surrender to His loving will and enlist in His wise plans.

4) Practical Prayers
When Jesus told His followers to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11 NIV), He urged them to appeal to God for the most basic, practical, ordinary needs of daily life. So, when you pray for food, job, finances, home, car and health, you’re saying the prayers your Father in heaven most wants to hear.

5) Prayers of Forgiveness
When Jesus modeled prayer to His early followers, He included the confession of sin and request for forgiveness in His short recipe: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 NIV). Some of us, of course, more naturally pray for forgiveness from “trespasses,” but the idea is the same. It’s a signal that God wants to forgive our sins and wants us to forgive those who wrong us. He desires a daily soul-scrub for us, one that keeps us from holding on to our sins…and from resenting others for theirs.

6) Prayers of Deliverance
One more category of prayer that God most wants to hear from us are prayers of protection and deliverance. Jesus told His followers to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13 NIV). God knows that we are prone to temptation and vulnerable to the evil one, and we need Him to help us avoid and escape both…as well as to pray so that we’re also regularly, even constantly, aware of our need.

These six kinds of prayers aren’t the only ones—there are so many ways and occasions that could fuel our unceasing prayers. But, judging by the Lord’s Prayer, these are the ones God most wants to hear from you, so much so, that they make a good plan for daily prayer.

8 Christmas Bible Verses to Inspire Love and Peace

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Pablo Diaz

Reading the Christmas story and the many Bible verses about the coming of Christ fills our hearts with joy as we grasp God’s love for the world. A Christmas verse about peace can expand our understanding of God and deepen our love of Christ.

The Gospel depicts the events, words and experiences of those connected to the birth of the newborn child and what His birth means to us. As we enjoy the season, let us pause to reflect on some of the Scriptures that point us to the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. In doing so, may we experience His presence and peace.

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1) God with Us (Isaiah 7:14)

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”

2) Counselor for Us (Isaiah 9:6)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

3) Savior for Us (Luke 2:11)

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

4) Peace for Us (Luke 2:14)

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

5) Courage for Us (John 14:27)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

6) Hope for Us (Luke 1:37)

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

7) Forgiveness for Us (Matthew 1:21)

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.”

8) Joy for Us (Luke 2:9-10)

“Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone!’”

Even a single Christmas verse about peace has a wonderful way of feeding our faith during the holiday season. We can write them in our journal, share them with family and friends on Christmas cards or social media, or incorporate them into our Christmas prayers. And by re-telling the Nativity story in church or during family gatherings, we can keep the Spirit of Christ on our minds and in our hearts.

Lord, help us reflect on Your love during this Christmas season and may we be filled with Your peace and joy.

6 Bible Verses to Help You Celebrate Pentecost

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Rick Hamlin

Pentecost has always seemed like an occasion for bringing people together. The singing at church, feeling the Holy Spirit wash over you, honoring that biblical moment when hundreds heard the Word. How would it feel this year, staying at home, watching a service on Zoom?

Was it possible to celebrate Pentecost in the midst of this pandemic and to know some of that early joy? I went back to the Bible to look for some clues.

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1) Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. (Acts 1:4)

Okay, it’s not exactly shelter-in-place, but Jesus was telling His disciples to stay where they were. He would send the Spirit to them. A good reminder that God meets us where we are.

2) But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

That promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, it was there even before Pentecost. Jesus had been preparing His disciples all along, as He’s still preparing us.

3) When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. (Acts 2:6)

Yes, there was that mighty rush of wind and the tongues of fire that seemed to alight on the disciples. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in other tongues.

But more astounding, the disciples, mere “Galileans,” were heard and understood by all those foreigners gathered in Jerusalem. To really hear and understand. Isn’t that a prayer to make on Pentecost, no matter where you are, no matter how small the crowd?

4) And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28)

This promise of the Spirit goes far back to long before Jesus came to earth. The gifts are there for all of us alike.

5) Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first fruits of the crops you sow in your field. (Exodus 23:16)

Similarly, the festival that brought all those pilgrims to Jerusalem in the first place was something that went back to Moses. Think of all that the Jewish people suffered in the intervening years. And were expected to celebrate.

6) But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost. (1 Corinthians 16:8)

The Apostle Paul wrote these words at the end of his first letter to the early Christians in Corinth. Even in his travels—and travails—he marked the day. In these current times, with the disruption of our usual schedules (not to mention our travels) it’s easy to lose track of time. All the more reason to mark the day.

So Happy Pentecost! The gifts of the Holy Spirit are there for all of us. Even now. Especially now. I won’t be singing in church with the choir, as usual, but you can be sure I’ll be humming a few happy tunes. Whatever the Spirit calls.

6 Bible Verses to Comfort the Grieving

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Rick Hamlin

Have you suffered a loss in this last year? Do we not all feel a sense of loss as we’ve struggled to deal with this pandemic? For me, in particular, with my mom’s death this past January, I feel a double dose of grief. Some of these passages of Scripture have helped see me through.

1) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
My mom died at a ripe old age, 93, after a few days in the hospital. She went so fast it took all of us by surprise. When my brother showed up at her bedside, she asked, “What are you doing here, Howard?” “I’m here to see you,” he said. “I’m just dying,” she said.

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She knew, just as much as Jesus knows. Dying is a part of life. So is God’s comfort.

2) The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
One of the ironies of sadness and suffering is that it can bring us closer to God. Think of that first Christmas and who God brought that good news to. Not the rich and well-fed but the shepherds out in their field looking over their flock by night. “Be not afraid,” the angel said.

Be not afraid. Now and always.

3) I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.(Romans 8:18)
On that last day of my mom’s life—when none of us knew that it would be her last day—a minister from her church came and read a passage of Scripture, and we prayed together by her hospital bed. Then she said to me very quietly, “I will be in the Lord’s house soon.”

She was in a lot of pain and discomfort. We were scheduled to have a meeting with hospice care to discuss palliative relief. Anything that could help. Apparently, those prayers and Bible verses mattered as much as anything a medical professional could do.

4) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”(John 14:27-28)
One way to deal with grief is to adopt a characteristic of the deceased. Take on one of their virtues. For my mother it was that habit she had of always looking on the bright side of things. Her relentless positivity.

She would laugh as she said things like, “I felt fine until I turned ninety” or quote that old adage, “Old age is not for sissies.” Then she would attack the morning’s crossword puzzle, congratulating herself for every clue she got right. Dare I point out that right next to her bed was a copy of Daily Guideposts? A positive companion.

5) He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy. (Job 8:21)
Laugh now? Yes, even now. When I get together with my siblings—on the phone, on Zoom, in person—we love to tell stories about Mom that make us laugh.

She used to tell us, as kids, “It’s a good thing that none of you are too good-looking because that way you develop your personality.” I was about 50 when I looked at a picture of us as kids. What was she saying? We were great-looking! In the meanwhile, as we liked to tease Mom, “We’re still developing our personalities!” She would laugh with us.

6) Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 100:1)
This is a season of music. Christmas carols start flashing all over the airwaves. That used to irritate me. Hearing a carol in a department store in November. “It’s not Christmas yet!” I would exclaim.

This year I would beg to differ. Don’t we need a little Christmas right now? You’re grieving? Listen to some music. Listen to some carols. Hum along to yourself (no group singing right now). It’s a way to get in touch with emotions that are deeper than any words.

6 Bible Verses That Will Help Strengthen Relationships

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Pablo Diaz

The Bible is a book about relationships. Shortly after God created heaven and earth, He created humans. Scripture tells the story of God’s love for and relationship with humanity, in addition to many other relationship stories. These stories can help us today by offering guidance on inspiring and sustaining personal connections in our lives.

In particular, Proverbs offer practical interpersonal skills and wisdom on how to best relate with one another. These verses offer counsel on: managing our emotions, communicating openly with one another, loving and raising children and dealing with our enemies.

Here are some Bible verses to read when working on the relationships in your life:

1) Some people make cutting remarks, but words of the wise bring healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

2) Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with hasty temper will make mistakes. (Proverbs 17:14)

3) The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 27:9)

4) Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it. (Proverbs 22:6)

5) Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you. (Exodus 20:12)

6) Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Strong relationships take time to build; there is no fast track. Thankfully, the ancient wisdom of Scripture has a lot to teach us in making the best of our relationships.

What is your favorite proverb or text on relationships?

6 Bible Verses for When You Feel Overwhelmed

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Michelle Cox

Last night, I made my oh-so-long to-do list including numerous chapters to write for a tight book deadline, travel arrangements to make, conference calls, notes for classes, mountains of laundry—let’s just say that I thought about not getting up today. Yes, folks, I’m officially overwhelmed. But I’m so grateful that God is not. The issues that are so big to us are tiny to Him.

So here’s some encouragement from the Bible for facing overly full days:

1) Matthew 19:26 tells us, “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

2) Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

3) God promises to restore our soul, and in Matthew 11:28, He promises us, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

4) And in Philippians 4:6-7, He promises to give us peace. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

5) I John 4:4 shares, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

6) In Psalm 142:3, He tells us, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path.”

So instead of being overwhelmed today by our circumstances and our to-do lists, let’s end the day being overwhelmed by an amazing God who gives us sweet promises—and who always keeps those promises.

If God has called us to do a task for Him, He will equip us for the journey and will be with us every step of the way. I’m so grateful that before I even thought about making a to-do list, He already knew the path I need to take.

6 Bible Verses for Labor Day

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Sabra Ciancanelli

The Bible is filled with wisdom and encouraging scriptures about the importance of hard work and reassurance that our labors are worthwhile. We hope you’ll enjoy these inspiring Bible verses as you celebrate Labor Day.

6 Bible Verses for Healing Mind, Body and Spirit

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Pablo Diaz

In times of need, where can we turn for encouragement and prayer support? One place is the Bible. It’s filled with passages to increase our faith and encourage us to pray when we or someone we know is ill. Throughout the centuries, men and women found solace, healing and strength in the biblical texts that call out to God when their bodies and minds fell to illness, troubles and despair. And we too can use them in prayer today. The following are a few of the many biblical texts to turn to for healing:

1. “…I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)

2. “I will restore you to health and heal your wounds ‘declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17)

3. “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you;…” (Isaiah 66:13)

4. “…Jesus graciously welcomed them and talked to them about the kingdom of God. Those who needed healing, he healed.” (Luke 9:10-11)

5. “Lord, you know how I long for my health once more. You hear my every sigh.” (Psalm 38:9)

6. “Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. He forgives all my sins. He heals me.” (Psalm 103:2-3)

When illness wears us down and depletes our energy, let us not forget that the Lord is the healer and provider of our needs. What is your favorite biblical text for healing? Please share with us.

Lord, we praise You for our healing and strength.

For more Bible-based advice on life’s challenges, get your copy of Guidepost’s Spiritual Remedies: Faith, Prayer, and Healing at ShopGuideposts.org.

5 Unnamed Women of the Bible

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Rick Hamlin

Women figured importantly in Jesus’ ministry. Many of them we know by name–Martha and Mary Magdalene, for instance–but often the women who appear are unnamed. And yet they are unforgettable.

1) The Widow with Two Mites
All those rich people who gave large sums at the temple–and hoped everyone would notice–were nothing compared to the widow who gave only two copper coins. They gave out of their abundance, and she gave abundantly from what little she had. Jesus calls her out because true generosity can only be measured by the heart.

2) The Woman Healed by a Touch
Jesus was surrounded by a crowd but when this woman touched His cloak he felt it. For 12 years she had suffered from a hemorrhage. All at once the hemorrhage stopped. Jesus looked to find her and said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well…”

3) The Woman Caught in Adultery
To test Jesus, the Pharisees brought Him a woman who had been caught in adultery. According to the law, they said, she should be stoned. “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” Jesus said and then bent down and continued writing with His finger on the ground. When He looked up they were all gone. No one had condemned her. Neither would He.

4) The Widow of Nain
The status of a widow was perilous in Jesus’ time. She would depend on her children for support. This widow in Nain was in dire straights, weeping because her only son, her only means of support, had died. Jesus took compassion on her. He touched the bier where the young man lay and said “Rise.” The young man did rise, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

5) The Woman at the Well
Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink, at a time when Jews would have nothing to do with Samaritans. They talk about water but not the sort that could be found in a well. “Those that drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty,” Jesus says. She wants this water. He tells her to call her husband. When she says she has no husband, Jesus points out that she has spoken the truth: she has had five husbands and that the current man is not her husband. It is a mystical meeting that must have changed the woman’s life. Is Jesus the Messiah? Jesus answers, “I am.” The woman went back to her town and told everyone she saw about Jesus, the One who knew everything about her.