Blog Archives - Bible Inspired

Drink It In!

9/30/2017

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." -Psalm 42:1 (NIV)

As the summer weather turns to the cool crispness of fall, I enjoy the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the air. As the seasons turn and daylight shortens, we may feel down until we take the time to "drink in" the sunlight and warmth. While our bodies and mindsets benefit from sunlight, there is more that we can drink in to help raise our spirits and souls!

The Bible reminds us that we need to seek God. We should seek Him and "drink in" His love, power, and glory. He can fill our souls. More than the sunshine warms our skin and lifts our spirits, God is ready to lift us up! He can light up the darkness, comfort us in times of trouble, and help us overcome the challenges we face. We don't have to worry. All we have to do is long for God to be in our lives, call out to Him, and accept His presence every day!

Seek God and drink in His love, power, and glory!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being willing to be active in my life. Help me to take in Your power, love, and glory and then show it to those around me. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Find the Light!

9/29/2017

"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." -Genesis 1:3 (NIV)

Some days we experience the darkness of the world. We may have trouble finding our way as the darkness may weigh on our hearts and distract us from our true goals. While there is bound to be darkness during our time on earth, we don't have to be caught in darkness. We can find the source of light!

God creates light. He created the source of the "physical" light that we experience everyday. He also created the spiritual light of His Son, Jesus Christ. We can find warmth and comfort in the light that God has created. God guides, comforts, and shows us His love through the light we see and the Light we feel within our souls. When we feel surrounded by darkness, we just need to call on God and accept His gift of light!

Find the light by accepting God's gift of His Son!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the Light that You have provided in my life. Please continue to guide me with Your love and light. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Find Your Sharpener!

9/28/2017

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

There are people in our lives that challenge us in different ways. Some challenge us in ways that we immediately recognize as beneficial. Others challenge us in ways that may seem unpleasant at first. Ideally, we can find certain people that challenge us, support us, and help us to grow and become sharper!

God gives us people in our lives to challenge and sharpen us in different ways. We can grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually through interacting with people in our lives. We can ask God to provide us with people that will help us become sharper. As we become sharper, we need to be sure we are using our sharper, better selves to serve God as we help sharpen others that can serve His Kingdom!

Become sharper as you learn and grow from those God has placed around you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for all those You place in my life that have helped me grow and become sharper. Help me to sharpen others as I serve You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Disciplined and Delighted!

9/27/2017

"My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in." -Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)

When in the midst of a situation, it can be difficult to accept direction or discipline. We may not be open to critique or suggestion. We may feel put down, ignored, or devalued. Discipline shouldn't automatically be reason to feel resentment or anger. Discipline and direction can help us grow!

God does not discipline or rebuke us because He is out to get us. Just the opposite! God's discipline is because He loves us and wants what is best for each and every one of us. When we hear or feel God's discipline, we should be delighted in His care and love. God's discipline should give us time to reflect on our lives, to improve our actions, and to take delight in the discipline and direction that can only come from a loving Father!

Accept God's discipline with delight and grow in His love and direction!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your discipline in my life. Help me to recognize and accept Your direction as I continue to grow. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

No "Ifs"!

9/26/2017

"'If you can’?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'" -Mark 9:23 (NIV)

The experiences that we have in life can sometimes cause us to doubt. I have witnessed this with students that feel they can't do math or science because they have struggled in the past. The biggest hurdle can be getting my students or ourselves to believe that certain things are possible!

It can be easier to believe things are possible when we have someone to support and encourage us. God is a constant source of support and encouragement. He reminds us that we should not start with "if" as long as we believe in Him and are following His will. When we follow Him, we can be assured that all things are possible. Instead of saying, "IF", we can turn to God and say, "When it is Your time..."

Don't get stuck on "if," but turn to God and allow Him to work in His time!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your strength and power. Help me to trust in You and not get stuck on "if." In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Listen to the Guide!

9/25/2017

"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 (NIV)

Planning for a trip can be both fun and nerve-racking. Guidebooks and itineraries can remind us where to go, but it is also helpful to have someone that knows the way. I experienced this many years ago on my first trip to New York City. I would have been lost without my friends that accompanied me and guided me through the city.

We are fortunate to have guides in our spiritual lives, too. God has given us the Holy Spirit as an advocate and guide. Jesus has taught us many things and God has given us the Bible filled with His lessons. While these may be our itinerary or guidebook, we can also benefit from the Holy Spirit as our personal guide. We nee to be accepting of the Holy Spirit and willing to listen to this God-given guide!

God has given you the Holy Spirit as an advocate and guide. Listen to the Spirit!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to listen to the Spirit as I grow in You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Share the Comfort!

9/24/2017

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." -II Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Throughout life we are going to experience highs and lows. There will be times to celebrate and rejoice and times that require comfort and strength. During our low times, it is good to have others that can support us and it is good to support others. Either way, we need to have a source of strength and comfort!

God is that source of comfort and strength. We can take the strength and comfort that we receive from Him and use it to comfort others. By drawing close to God, we can feel His presence in our lives, then, as others need comfort, we can show God's love, support, and comfort. We can receive comfort during our own troubles and we can share God's comfort when others are in need. God has shared comfort and strength with us so we can share Him with others!

Take the comfort God has provided you and share it with others in need!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for comforting me and for providing strength and guidance. Help me to share Your comfort with others. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Joy and Delight!

9/23/2017

"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart." -Psalm 37:4 (NASB)

What makes you happy or brings you joy? We may find pleasure and happiness in many different things. Our careers may be centered on fulfilling work. Family and friends may also bring happiness. We may even have those special happy places that bring smiles, happiness, and peaceful feelings, but do these things last?

We have another source of happiness that is guaranteed to last. We can find delight and joy in God! When we set God as our focus, our hearts' desires are in line with God's will. We can follow Him and find pleasure, delight, and joy in His promises and blessings. The joy and delight that we get from God can be experienced in all areas of our lives - from work to friends, family, places, and leisure activities, but this joy is eternal and lasting!

Find joy and delight in all areas of your life by aligning your heart with God's will!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for all of the blessings in my life. Help me to keep my heart focused on You so I can experience joy and delight. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Led to Greatness!

9/22/2017

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." -Romans 8:14 (NIV)

Some days just seem to be more productive than other days. Whether at work, home, or church, we may have days when things get done and our lists get smaller. Do we ever stop to wonder why? Maybe we have more energy or maybe we have a sense of purpose. It may be that a looming deadline gives us no other choice!

In our spiritual lives we can be productive when we are open to being led by God. When we follow His will for our lives, we are His children. We can see our purpose. We can have the energy that only comes through being part of God's plan. We can be productive in God's Kingdom by following His lead. We can be led to eternal glory when we accept God, His Law, and His will in our lives!

Be productive and led to glory by following God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and leading me. Help me to follow You and to be your child. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Peace Given and Received

9/21/2017

"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 (NIV)

Today was a beautiful day and I got to spend most of it outside. I find time in the woods, whether alone or with a group of students, peaceful. While we each may have a place that is peaceful for us here and now, these places are not as peaceful as the peace found through Jesus Christ!

God sent Jesus to earth to provide us a path to forgiveness and redemption. It is by turning away from sin and to salvation through Jesus Christ that we can find the deepest peace for our souls. We can rest our hearts, minds, and bodies in the peace provided to us by God. We do not have to be troubled or afraid, but rather connected to God through Jesus Christ. He is giving us peace as long as we are willing to receive it!

Be connected to God through Jesus Christ and you will be given peace. You just have to receive it!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the peace You provide through Your Son. Help me to always find rest, peace, and rejuvenation through accepting the peace that is given. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Lasting Impacts!

9/20/2017

"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." -I John 2:17 (NIV)

The administrators at my school recently asked the teachers to consider the "why" or reason behind what we do as teachers. They wanted us to consider those factors that really motivate us, not just the content or curriculum. I believe many teachers consider their lasting impacts on students as one piece of motivation that drives them to endure the daily challenges. We hope to make a difference in the lives of our students that can positively impact their directions in life.

Even if we aren't teachers, we may feel empowered by making a difference in the world through a variety of ways. We can try our hardest to make a difference in life, but the things of this world are bound to pass away. If we really want to make a lasting impact, we need to look to God. It is only through following His will that we can make impacts that last. When we follow God and allow others to see and follow Him, then we can expand these impacts beyond our lives as we allow God to build His Kingdom through each of us!

Make a lasting, eternal impact by following God's will!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for showing me Your will in my life. Help me to not lose sight of it, but to follow You for eternity. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Firm Footing!

9/19/2017

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights." -Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

Sometimes in life it may feel like we are spinning our wheels. It may seem like our efforts are not getting us to move forward. When we feel like we need help gaining traction or making sure we have a firm foothold, we can always turn to God!

God is a source of strength and guidance. He can help us when we feel like we are spinning our wheels. He can help us to have firm footing and to make progress in the world. He can help us rise to new heights as we follow His will and serve Him in our lives. Instead of sitting and spinning our wheels, we can call out and allow Him to place our feet in order to move forward!

Call on God and allow Him to provide firm footing that moves you forward!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being willing to guide me and help me move forward. Help me stay focused on Your will and moving forward for You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

One of Us!

9/18/2017

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin." -Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

As people move up in the ranks at work or within an organization, if often seems as if they forget the realities of doing the job they once did. Adjustments to management positions or oversight of the jobs they once were doing, can lead to frustrations of those still doing the job. I have witnessed this as former classroom teachers become administrators or supervisors and forget the realities of classrooms full of diverse students. When we consider our Savior, we can be assured that Jesus remembers what it means to be one of us!

Jesus was sent by God to live as a human on earth. The temptations and trials of being human were experienced by Jesus. He was faced with physical, emotional, and mental challenges that are part of our life experiences. Even though Jesus is no longer on earth in human form, we can know that He has not forgotten what it means to be one of us! He is still active in our lives and He intercedes on our behalf with God. Jesus was sent to save us and He continues to understand all that we face. He knows what it is like to be one of us and He is ready to save us!

Jesus knows what it is like to be one of us and He has not forgotten!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sending Your Son to earth. Thank You for His understanding of what it is like to be human. Through Him I pray, amen.

Admit and Accept!

9/17/2017

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -I John 1:9 (NIV)

Whether it is my daughter or my students, when someone makes a mistake I want them to view it as a learning experience. In order to learn and grow, we need to admit or acknowledge our shortcomings so we can work to improve them. The same is true for sin in our spiritual lives, but we also have God to help us overcome sin!

In order to grow closer to God, we need to acknowledge and admit that we sin. We need to confess our sins to Him. Acknowledging our sin is the first step, but, after that, we need to strive to live better lives. Even though we acknowledge our sin and try to live better lives, we still fall short of perfection. God knows that and He has prepared a path to forgiveness and redemption through the death and resurrection of His Son. Once we admit our sin, we need to accept this gift and continue to become closer to God with lives aligned to His plan!

Admit that you have sinned and then learn from your sin by accepting the gift of salvation!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Help me to admit when I sin and to ask for and accept the forgiveness You are ready to give. Through Jesus, my Savior, I pray, amen.

Enjoy the Warmth!

9/16/2017

"Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love." -Psalm 31:16 (NIV)

The weather has been warmer than normal for the past few days. While I like the coolness of fall, it is also nice to soak in the light and warmth of the sun for a few extra days before fall and winter move take their turns. In our spiritual lives, we can always enjoy the light and warmth of God!

As followers of God, we are called to serve Him. In serving Him, we can be part of God's family. Through our service and commitment to Him, God will shine on us. We will feel His light and love in our hearts and souls. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and choose to follow God, we can be reassured that God will guide and bless us. He will shine His face and love on us, so we can feel His warmth!

Choose to follow God and serve Him and feel the warmth of His saving grace and love!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving and blessing me. Please shine on me and help my service to You be meaningful and productive. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Like Minded

9/15/2017

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had." -Romans 15:5 (NIV)

When we look around us we can choose to see differences between us or we can see ways that we can come together. Even within the church we may have different ideas about ways to put our faith and beliefs into action. We are called to be one, to be God's people, but we first must learn how to come together and be like minded!

While we will never find agreement with everyone, nor should we change or compromise our beliefs just for the sake of conformation. Instead of looking at how to become like each other, we should look to becoming more like God. We can focus on God and Jesus. We can engage in prayer and study of God's Word to learn about Him and the attitude that we should have. Whenever we all focus on God, He can help us develop a mindset similar to Jesus Christ and in the process unite us as His one church of like-minded, Christ-centered people!

Turn to God and focus on being like-minded with Christ-centered others following God's will!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your love and guidance. Help me to always focus on You and Jesus so that I can become like-minded with others following Your will for Your glory. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Cranky Complainers!

9/14/2017

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." -II Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

A colleague was recently upset when another coworker said he was cranky. While admitting to having complaints, he didn't understand how he could be perceived as cranky or difficult. There may be times when all of us view ourselves differently than how others may see us, but we can reflect and recenter our lives on God to be sure we are approved!

God wants each of us to be part of His family, but He expects that as a member of His family, we will commit our lives to Him. As followers of God, we are to learn and grow in our knowledge of and love for Him. We are to know His truth and to do His work with that truth. We may have bad days, but we should take the time to reflect and call on God in order to draw closer to Him and follow His path for our lives. When we are following Him, we know that we will not be ashamed or cranky complainers. Our lives will be filled with His purpose and praise for the blessings we experience!

Don't be cranky or complain, but choose to follow God so you can be approved and filled with praise for Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the blessings in my life. Help me to work for You and Your glory so I can be approved. All praise and glory to You! Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Everything!

9/13/2017

"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'" -Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

I like to be involved in things that allow me to make a difference. When I am in my classroom each day, my students present both challenges and opportunities to making a difference. As I hear some of their stories, there are times when I wish I could be more or do more. Even though we may want to do or be everything, there is only one that can truly be and do everything!

God shows us throughout the Bible that He is the One and Only. In Revelation we are reminded again that He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. He has always been and will always be. When we need anything or everything, God can provide for us. We do not have to be, nor can we be, everything for ourselves or for those around us, but we can help others see that God can be everything. He is the One and Only everything now and forever!

God is everything and He is waiting for us to call on Him and to join His eternal family!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for all that You do in my life. Please guide me through life, reminding me that You always have been and always will be everything I need. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Rest Up!

9/12/2017

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Some days or weeks seem to be packed with so much to do and not enough time to accomplish it all. As we rush through our routines and try to meet expectations and deadlines, we may become weary or tired. Being tired and weary is not just a physical condition. It can also affect us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!

We know that sleep can recharge our physical bodies and may help clear our minds, but our emotions or spirits may require more than simply sleeping. When we feel weary and overburdened, we need to bring our burdens, fears, worry, and tired souls to God. God is ready to comfort us. He is prepared to take our mental, emotional, and spiritual burdens. We have to be willing to go to Him and let go of our troubles, then we can rest in the comfort and security of God's embrace!

Take your troubles to God and then rest up in the comfort He provides!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the comfort You provide. Help me to always allow You to take my troubles and give me rest. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Get Wisdom!

9/11/2017

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." -Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)

Some people seem to be continual students. In fact, teachers often talk about developing students as lifelong learners. It is true that we can always learn more and grow in both knowledge and understanding, but wisdom is more than simply remembering a collection of facts and may not be easy or cheap!

Being wise or having wisdom includes knowledge, experience, and good judgment. Beyond what we can discover on earth, we can gain wisdom and understanding through a relationship with God. As we study His Word and learn about Him, we know that He desires a personal relationship with each of us. Through talking with and listening to God, we can be gain wisdom. When we choose to follow God, our experiences and blessings through Him can allow us access to wisdom!

Get wisdom by following God and learning from Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for blessing me and providing wisdom. Help me to listen and understand Your lessons and apply Your wisdom in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

No Troubles?

9/10/2017

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." -Psalm 34:19 (NIV)

When I was in college, I remember one of my peers sharing her faith and telling someone that once she became a Christian she no longer experienced trouble or problems. She was trying to relate how God played an important role in her life, but in the process she simplified the realities of life. Sometimes we can simplify our faith in God, but we need to be realistic when sharing what it means to follow God!

When we choose to follow God, we do not enter a magic place without trouble. We still face temptation and may even become a "target" for the devil as he tries to lure us away from God. Even though we still face the troubles of earth, there is one major difference. With our faith in God, we can trust that He will deliver us from all of our troubles. We do not have to worry because God has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, who overcame the trials and troubles of earth. Because of Him, we can be saved from sin and live life reassured that although we may have troubles, God promises to deliver us and guide us in overcoming them!

You may have troubles, but, with God, you can overcome them!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sending Your Son to redeem me from sin. Please continue to guide me and deliver me from all of the troubles I face. Through Jesus, my Savior, I pray, amen.

Go For It!

9/9/2017

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'" -Mark 10:27 (NIV)

Stepping our of our comfort zones can be intimidating. We may face tasks or situations where success seems impossible and failure is all too real. These tasks may seem bigger than what we can handle on our own, but that's okay! We don't have to face what we may seem impossible on our own!

God is always near and we can call on Him and trust that He will help. Even though we may think we face the impossible, nothing is impossible with God! God has the wisdom and power to overcome any of the challenges we face. We just need to be willing to call on and trust in God. When we are challenged to move out of our comfort zones, we can call on God, be sure that we are following His will, and then go for it knowing that God will make it all possible!

Get out of your comfort zone, call on God, follow His will, and go for it! He will make it possible!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for working with me and helping me overcome the challenges I face. Help me to always call on and trust in Your power and wisdom. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Living Sacrifices!

9/8/2017

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." -Romans 12:1 (NIV)

There are times when we feel the call or urge to pitch in and help. We may help through giving resources or we can help through contributing our time and efforts for a cause. As we give to those around us, we should do it in the spirit of God's love and mercy, giving Him credit for our blessings!

When we choose to follow God, we welcome His presence and commit to His way for our lives. As His followers, we should use our lives to to serve Him and serve others as a living sacrifice. By committing to Him and serving Him, we can become living sacrifices that allow others to see God. When we help others see God, God is pleased. As living sacrifices, we can serve God's Kingdom through God's love and mercy!

Worship God by offering yourself as a living sacrifice through serving Him and serving others in His name!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your presence in my life and Your mercy. Help me to be a sacrifice that is pleasing to You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Grace and Love!

9/7/2017

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" -Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

There are days when things don't go as planned or when we feel that we are "in a rut." During times like these, we may feel that we need a pick me up. Sometimes a simple act of kindness can bring a smile to our faces. When we need to be lifted up and comforted, we have a continual source of grace and love: God!

God loves us. He wants what is best for us. His plans for us are centered on the grace, mercy, and love shown to us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is gracious. He is filled with compassion. He is just and ready to bless all that choose to follow Him. When we need to be lifted up, we can turn to God as His children, redeemed through Jesus Christ. Be blessed in the grace, love, and compassion of God!

When feeling like you need a pick me up, turn to the grace, love, and compassion of God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the blessings in my life, including Your grace, love, and compassion. Continue to support me and guide me as I journey through life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Be Humble!

9/6/2017

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." -James 4:10 (NIV)

Some people feel the need to have others know that when they are "right." I have been in situations where people are the loudest or most obnoxious people in order to gain attention and recognition. Just because someone doesn't brag, need to be the loudest, want the most attention, or have to be right doesn't mean they are not worthy of attention!

Humility may be mistaken by some as weakness, but in order to be great in God's Kingdom, we need to humble ourselves. We can recognize our own shortcomings and identify our need for help from God. We cannot become more important by shouting or telling others of our accomplishments. Instead, God is pleased when we recognize our shortcomings and acknowledge that our accomplishments are products of His blessings. It is only when we are truly humble, that God can lift us up and allow us to share in His glory!

Be humble and allow God to lift you up!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your blessings in my life. Help me to always be humble and following Your will in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.