Blog Archives - Bible Inspired

On Message!

9/30/2018

"Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." -Proverbs 4:27 (NIV)

There are many people with messages that they want us to hear. From advertisers to politicians, companies, groups, or their representatives try to stay "on message." While the "message" for groups on earth may change, there is one message that we should always hear and follow!

God has one consistent message for all of us. He calls us to receive forgiveness through His Son and then to follow Him. He calls us to share His love and allow others to find redemption in Him. As we journey through our lives, we should be aware of and strive to follow His message. We should not veer to the left or right, but instead stay on the path that He has shown us!

Follow God and stay on His message of love, forgiveness, and redemption!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the message of love and forgiveness that changes lives. Help me to live my life so others can see Your power. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Turn Over Control!

9/29/2018

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

I was recently presented with the opportunity to travel for professional development. Unlike other opportunities, this was an all-inclusive trip. The travel, hotel, meals, and conference were not only already paid for, but the arrangements for all of these things were made by someone other than myself. In some ways this was less stressful, but does not mean it eliminated worry!

Even when things may seem to be "all set", we may still worry. We can turn control over to God, we shouldn't worry. We need to continually remind ourselves that with God, we don't need to worry. He has a plan for our lives. Through trusting in God and having faith in Him, we can live our lives free from worry. God has redeemed us. He promises to protect us. We don't need to worry about today or tomorrow!

Turn control over to God and don't worry!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for saving and protecting me. Help me to grow in my faith and to not worry. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Believe!

9/28/2018

"Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.'" -John 6:29 (NIV)

Throughout each day, we hear lots of things. We need to consider what we hear, weighing the truth in each statement, claim, or question. As we consider the truth in the things we hear, we need to measure this truth against the knowledge that God has provided!

Jesus reminded us that one of the main works in our lives needs to be believing in Him. God has given us His Word and He has provided new life through His Son. In the midst of everything we hear, we need to remember God's Truth and the pathway to redemption that He has provided. We just need to believe and accept Jesus Christ to get started in a life with God!

Believe and be part of God's eternal family!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the Truth that You provide. Help me to embrace Your Truth and to live accordingly. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Be Your New Self!

9/27/2018

"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." -Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV)

As students transition from middle to high school, my colleagues and I remind them that they are being presented with an opportunity for a fresh start. Their old behaviors may have shaped their past, but they can begin to make new choices that lead to different outcomes. As students grow and mature, we hope that they embrace a new, better self throughout their lives!

God also offers us a fresh start. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we move from our old self to a new self! Our sin is gone and we can begin to make better choices. We may struggle with those choices at times, but that doesn't mean we should give up. As we rely on God more and more each day, He will take hold and guide us. Through Jesus, we can embrace our "new self" created through our faith in and forgiveness through Him!

Be forgiven and embrace your new self!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for allowing me a fresh start. Help me to grow closer to You each day and to follow Your will in my life. Through Jesus, my Savior, I pray, amen.

Knowing Support

9/26/2018

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." -Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)

When we are in a room full of people, we don't always know the stories or experiences of each person. Even if we know someone, we may not know all that they are dealing with in their past or present. We can try to be supportive, to be empathetic or sympathetic, but there is no way we can truly understand the complexity of life experiences for everyone.

Even though we cannot know or understand the experiences of those around us, we are blessed to have Jesus Christ as our Savior. He has experienced life on earth. He has known temptation and the pain of humanity. However, Christ was also without sin. Jesus Christ knows each of us and understands the challenges we face, which allows Him to sympathize with our weaknesses. He feels our pain and He offered His life to take away our sin. When we are searching for understanding, we can turn to Jesus Christ and follow His guidance!

Jesus knows and sympathizes with your weaknesses so He can lead you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your Son, my Savior. Help me to always follow Your lead. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Doing the Work!

9/25/2018

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." -Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

There was a recent news story that brought attention to the value of a job, regardless of what that job might be. The dignity of doing a job, regardless of what it is, was pointed out by many. While there are many different types of jobs and a wide range of pay scales, each job is important to a fully functioning society.

Since each job is important to society, we should be careful about looking down on certain jobs or the choices of others to do those jobs. We should remember to always work to serve the Lord. We shouldn't be conceited about ourselves or our jobs, but instead lift each other up and support each other. Through doing the work that God has placed before us in our lives, we can all be contributors to the family of Christ and serve God's Kingdom now and forever!

Do the work that God has given you and contribute to His Kingdom!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the work that You have given me in my life. Help me to serve You through all I do. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Open Ears!

9/24/2018

"The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise." -Proverbs 15:31 (ESV)

In the times of "multi-tasking", our attention can be diverted in different directions. Instead of focusing and listening, we can be distracted by all of the things we have to do or are trying to do. Even though we may have a lot to get done, we need to be ready and willing to focus and truly listen!

We should stop and listen to God and what He is saying to us. When we stop and listen, we can hear God speaking to us. We can hear His will and guidance for our lives. As we listen to God, we need to commit to following God's plan. It is through listening that we can deeply know and understand what God is saying to each of us!

Stop and take time to truly listen to what God is saying!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for speaking to me. Help me to listen, understand, and follow Your will in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Gift of Word

9/23/2018

"The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." -Psalm 119:130 (NIV)

Sometimes the words we offer can be gifts. Words of encouragement or congratulations can lift us up and light our ways. Words of compassion can reveal understanding and support can sustain us and keep us going. While the words we speak or write to each other are important, God's Word is essential!

God's Word provides us with encouragement, compassion, and sustaining guidance throughout our lives. No matter what we face in our lives, we can always turn to God. We can spend time in His Word and allow it to light our way through this world and toward eternity with Him. As we unfold, meditate on, and talk to God about His Word, we can receive His gifts of understanding and support. We can then continue working for Him!

Spend time in God's Word and receive His light and understanding!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to spend time reading and learning Your Word and applying Your lessons in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Share in the Rejoicing!

9/22/2018

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" -Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

I recently enjoyed some good news. I was excited and proud of myself, but the best part of the day was being able to share the good news with others. Family, friends, and co-workers were all excited and ready to join in celebrating my success. When we have good news, it is nice to be able to share in the celebration and rejoicing!

Each and every day, God gives us good news! He saves us from death and torture due to sin. He comforts us with compassion. He loves us beyond what we could ever imagine or understand. God's power knows no limits. For all of these reasons and more, we should be ready to rejoice all day, every day! We should join with our brothers and sisters in Christ to celebrate the awesomeness of our God! We can share in His blessings and in the rejoicing!

Thank God for all that He is and does and rejoice in Him...always!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the blessings and for everything that You provide in my life. All praise, glory, and honor to You now and forever! In Jesus I pray, amen.

Represent!

9/21/2018

"Jesus answered, 'My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.'" -John 7:16 (NIV)

Many of us have different interests that are reflected in what we do and how we do things. We may represent our favorite sports teams, brands, or activities. There are lots of ways we represent ourselves and our beliefs, but we shouldn't let our identities be consumed by these temporary things. We also need to be a representation of our Creator and Savior!

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth for a purpose. The teaching that Jesus shared throughout His lifetime was sent from God. Jesus was God's representative in the flesh! As we learn from Jesus and continually grow in our faith, we, too, represent God. We may represent His redeeming power in our own lives or His love and compassion for all of His creation. Through our words and actions, we need to be "represent" God's power and love so others can join His eternal family!

Use your life to represent God's active presence!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to be a representation of Your love and forgiveness so others can know You, too. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Shielded and Lifted!

9/20/2018

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high." -Psalm 3:3 (NIV)

Life is not all good times. There are instances when we may feel down, when we need either protection or a pick me up...or maybe both! We can search for protection and happiness in the world, but what we find in the world will be temporary. We can find a more permanent solution!

Whenever we are "down" in life, we can call on God. God promises to be a shield to protect us. He can keep us from harm and minimize the impacts of the world around us. Beyond just protecting us, God can lift us up. He can help us rise above this world now and for eternity! We just need to trust in and call on God and have faith that He will provide eternal protection and support in our lives!

Call on God and allow Him to shield you and lift you up!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for protecting me and for lifting me up. Help me to continue to grow in my faith and to trust in You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Be Healed!

9/19/2018

"'Go,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." -Mark 10:52 (NIV)

Sometimes we lose our way in the world. Our "vision" may be compromised by the sin, pain, and hurt in the world around us. Our souls and spiritual lives may tested and slow our progress in our journeys through life. We may not "see" clearly, but we can be healed!

Jesus healed many during His time on earth, but the healing hasn't stopped! We can turn to God to help heal our souls and allow us to see and spread love throughout the world. Once God has touched our lives, we can be healed and then follow Him along the road of life!

Allow God to heal your spirit so you can follow Him, spreading His love and Good News!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for healing my soul. Help me to follow You along the road of life, spreading Your love and Good News. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Be Near!

9/18/2018

"But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works." -Psalm 73:28 (ESV)

Life can bring many different kinds of storms our way. Whether we are facing a physical, emotional, or spiritual storm, we need to find shelter or refuge. We want to be close to safety when the worst hits us!

When we are seeking safety, we can be reassured that God is never too far away. He can provide safety for us. We need to be prepared and willing to move closer to God. He is the refuge that can protect us from the storms we face!

During life's storms, be near to God and seek refuge in Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your protection. Help me to always seek refuge in You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Take a Look Around!

9/17/2018

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." -Romans 1:20 (NIV)

There is a lot that we can see in this world, but we need to take time to stop, look, and listen to all that is happening around us. When we take the time to look around, we can see goodness. From this goodness, we can grow in our understanding of God and His power!

God is the Creator. He is responsible for the creation that we see. He is revealed in nature and in our conscience. We can learn from God and about God through all of God's creation. When we take the time to look around, we can see the power and divinity of God. We can then praise His power and follow Him without excuse!

Take a look around and see the power of God in His creation!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the power that You have reavealed in Your creation. Help me to take time to look around and learn more about You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Good Life of Wisdom

9/16/2018

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." -James 3:13 (NIV)

There are many people that tirelessly search and spend money hoping to find the "good life." While living the good life can mean different things to different people, we usually need to start with wisdom. We need to recognize what constitutes our good life and then we live a good life!

God provides us with understanding. It is through God that we can gain wisdom and understand His plan for our lives. God only wants what is good for us. When we embrace His wisdom, we can live a good life. The way we live can help others see the good life that God offers. By following God and showing love, humility, and good deeds, we can have the wisdom and a good life!

Follow God, gain wisdom, and live a good life!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the wisdom that You share with me. Help me to act on Your wisdom to live a good life filled with love, humility, and good deeds. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Accept Help!

9/15/2018

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'" -Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

We all have times in our lives when we could use a helping hand. Sometimes there are hands ready to help us, but we don't accept the help. When we are in need of help, we need to be ready and willing to accept the help that we are offered!

God is always ready to help us. He tells us to not fear, to be calm, and to take hold of His hand. When we accept the help that God offers, we can overcome our challenges. We can find strength and peace in the steadfast love and power of God. The help is there for us. We just need to accept it!

Accept the help that God offers! Take His hand and don't fear!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your help in my life. Please continue to help and guide me through all that I will face. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

In All Seasons!

9/14/2018

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing." -Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)

The weather where I live seems to be letting go of summer and moving toward fall. Warmer days and nights are starting to cool. The hours of sunlight are shrinking. We prepare for the changes that we know are coming. Life also offers changing seasons and we need to be prepared, too!

As we face the seasons of our lives, we have a God that will be with us through each and every one! God will save us when we are in need. He will rejoice with us in our glad times. His love will comfort and quiet us when we are sad or distraught and He will celebrate with us in our times of victory and joy. Through it all, we should praise God for His faithfulness and for being with us. No matter the season, God is near and on our side!

Welcome God into your life to see you through or celebrate with you in every season of life!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being with me, no matter what I face. Help me to rely on and celebrate with You through all seasons of life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Don't Be Mean!

9/13/2018

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." -Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)

In a recent conversation, a colleague was talking about different initiatives like a "random acts of kindness" week or month. Even though it is good to raise awareness of kindness, we shouldn't limit our thinking about kindness to a certain timeframe. We should work to move away from anger and being "mean" to getting along and being kind!

God shows us love and forgiveness. It is up to us to learn from God, to rely on His guidance, and to show others the same kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. With a faith in and commitment to God, we can learn to move beyond our anger and bitterness. We can then move toward His light and work to show His love and forgiveness. We can move from being mean toward love and kindness, not just for a moment but in all things!

Focus on God and allow Him to help you move toward being more kind and loving!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and teaching. Help me to not be mean, but to always show love, kindness, and forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Start with Understanding!

9/12/2018

"For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." -Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)

When each school year begins, a new group of students await. As I prepare for the beginning of a school year, there are always many things that need to be accomplished at the beginning of the year. However, the year will be less meaningful if I don't try to understand my students!

Jesus is the master teacher. He knows each of us and how to reach us. God sent Jesus to experience life on Earth and understand the challenges we face. We can relate to and learn from Jesus as both human and God. He can teach us from the experiences and challenges that He faced on earth and from His heavenly wisdom. Beginning with understanding, Jesus teaches us. We just need to listen!

Thank God for His understanding and listen to the lessons He teaches!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for wanting to understand me. Help me to listen to and understand Your lessons. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Keep Growing!

9/11/2018

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." -Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)

As my daughter and I were out walking the dog, one of the neighbors commented that my daughter was growing up. To grow and continue to develop, we need the right nutrition, teaching, and experiences. In our spiritual lives, we also need the right supports to grow!

We are God's children and, no matter how old we are, we are still growing in our walk with Him. To learn and grow, we need to have faith that is rooted in Jesus Christ. When we are following God, He will teach us, build us up, strengthen our faith, and lead us to blessings. We can trust God's process in our lives, learn from Him, and grow in a faith that is eternal!

Keep your faith rooted in Jesus Christ so you can grow!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for all that You provide for me. Help me to stay rooted in You and Your Son so I can continue to grow. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Freedom and Responsibility!

9/10/2018

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." -II Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)

One thing that most of us want is freedom. Sometimes, though, once we have freedom, we may take it for granted. When we consider freedom, it is more than being able to do whatever we want. Living in freedom also comes with responsibilities!

We can find freedom for our souls in Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit that God provides. However, the freedom we find in God requires us to live responsibly. God can help us become free from sin and free from the worries of this world, but we are called to live lives of love and redemption. We must turn away from sin and share His freedom with others. We must live our lives in ways that strive to be the best we can be for Him and His Kingdom!

Find freedom in God's Spirit and then accept the responsibilities that come with living in freedom!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for allowing me to experience freedom in Your Spirit. Help me to live responsibly and to share Your freedom with others. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Refreshing Wisdom!

9/9/2018

"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." -Proverbs 3:7-8 (ESV)

Each day when we wake up, we have a choice of who or what to follow. We can choose to follow evil or we can choose to follow God and His wisdom. Our choice each day has consequences. What will you choose?

In our lives we can choose to turn away from evil and follow God. God wants us to choose to follow Him so we can be part of His eternal family. When we choose to seek God's wisdom, our spirits can be healed. Our souls can be revived as we follow God now and for eternity!

Follow God and be refreshed by His wisdom!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the wisdom that You provide. Help me to embrace Your wisdom and turn away from evil. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Take the Power!

9/8/2018

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." -I Corinthians 4:20 (ESV)

I have a radio in the kitchen that is tuned to the local talk radio station. Whether I agree or not, it seems as though the afternoon host thinks he always has the answers. Of course, it is easy to sit and talk about problems. It is harder to act on solutions!

When we choose to follow God, we need to do more than just talk about problems and solutions. We can call on God and allow Him to lead us from talk to action. It is through His power that we can work for His Kingdom. We can engage in ways that make a difference both here and now and for all eternity. With God's power in our lives, we can take the power and act for His Kingdom!

Call on God and take His power to make a difference!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sharing Your power. Please give me the power and guidance to act and make a difference for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Have Purpose and Passion!

9/7/2018

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." -Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

There is a quote that says, "Purpose is the reason for the journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way." Whenever I begin a project, I like to know that there is a purpose. Without a reason, the work that I am doing does not seem valuable. Fortunately, when we work for God, there is always a purpose!

No matter what task we are engaged in, we should work to complete that task for God. When our focus is on doing our best to fulfill our role in God's plan, we can be reassured that God will give our work purpose and meaning. Since our work has purpose, God can also ignite a passion in us that will light not only our way, but also the way for others. By following God, we can have purpose and passion that will positively impact the world around us!

Find purpose and passion by inviting God into your life and following His will!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the purpose and passion You provide in my life. Help me to always work for You so this purpose and passion can light the way for others. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

See It Through!

9/6/2018

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." -Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

Even though it is September, the past several days have been filled with sunshine and warm temperatures. When we go outside in the sun, we will see shadows. The shadows may be formed from large mountains, from the houses in our neighborhoods or by one another. Being in the shadows may seem dark, but they remind us that there is light. We cannot have a shadow unless there is light!

Throughout our journey, we may experience times of shadows. These shadows may seem sorrowful or even evil, but God is with us. God is shining His light! During these times, God may take our hand and lead us to calmer, safer places or He may provide us with people that lend a helping hand. We need to embrace God and His presence in our lives. We should not be ashamed, but rather reach out and hold on to the peace, comfort, and strength that God provides. With God, we can see it through the shadows and into His light!

When there are shadows, see it through and move toward God's light!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your light in the world and in my life. Even when I see shadows, help me to focus on Your light. Through Jesus I pray, amen.