Andy's Inspiration Box

Hebrews 6:11-15 New International Version (NIV) 11  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope  for may be fully realized. 12  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate  those who through faith and patience  inherit what has been promised. The Certainty of God’s Promise 13  When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14  saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” [ a ]   15  And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

Hebrews 4:4-16 Good News Translation (GNT) 4 For somewhere in the Scriptures this is said about the seventh day: “God rested on the seventh day from all his work.” 5 This same matter is spoken of again: “They will never enter that land where I would have given them rest.” 6 Those who first heard the Good News did not receive that rest, because they did not believe. There are, then, others who are allowed to receive it. 7 This is shown by the fact that God sets another day, which is called “Today.” Many years later he spoke of it through David in the scripture already quoted: “If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn.” 8 If Joshua had given the people the rest that God had promised, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 As it is, however, there still remains for God's people a rest like God's resting on the seventh day. 10 For those who receive that rest which God promised will rest from their own work, just as God rested from his. 11 Let u...

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.”  ―  Elisabeth Elliot ,  Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity

Ecclesiastes 8:4-8 New International Version (NIV) 4  Since a king’s word is supreme, who can say to him, “What are you doing? ” 5  Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm,      and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. 6  For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter,      though a person may be weighed down by misery. 7  Since no one knows the future,      who can tell someone else what is to come? 8  As no one has power over the wind to contain it,      so [ a ]  no one has power over the time of their death. As no one is discharged in time of war,      so wickedness will not release those who practice it.

Faith is a Thread Slender and frail, Easy to tear; Yet it can lift The weight of a soul Up from despair.                                 - Matthew Biller "It is ours to believe the sure things of God's revelation, but we are not to wast a grain of precious reliance upon anything outside of that circle" - Charles Spurgeon

Philippians 2:1-2 Good News Translation (GNT) Christ's Humility and Greatness 2 Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. 2 I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind.

Isaiah 43:16-21 Good News Translation (GNT) 16  Long ago the  Lord  made a road through the sea,      a path through the swirling waters. 17  He led a mighty army to destruction,      an army of chariots and horses. Down they fell, never to rise,      snuffed out like the flame of a lamp! 18  But the  Lord  says, “Do not cling to events of the past      or dwell on what happened long ago. 19  Watch for the new thing I am going to do.      It is happening already—you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness      and give you streams of water there. 20  Even the wild animals will honor me;      jackals and ostriches will praise me when I make rivers flow in the desert      to give water to my chosen people. 21  They are the people I made for myself, ...

Matthew 6:19-34 Good News Translation (GNT Riches in Heaven 19 “Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. 20 Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. 21 For your heart will always be where your riches are. The Light of the Body 22 “The eyes are like a lamp for the body. If your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light; 23 but if your eyes are no good, your body will be in darkness. So if the light in you is darkness, how terribly dark it will be! God and Possessions 24 “You cannot be a slave of two masters; you will hate one and love the other; you will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 “This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than...

Leviticus 20:24 Good News Translation (GNT) But I have promised you this rich and fertile land as your possession, and I will give it to you. I am the Lord your God, and I have set you apart from the other nations.

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." - Alexander Graham Bell

My heart is parched by unbelief, My spirit sere from inward strife; The heavens above are turned to brass, Arid and fruitless is my life. Then falls Thy rain, O Holy One; Fresh is the earth, and young once more; Then falls Thy Spirit on my heart; My life is green; the drought is o'er! - Drought, By Betty Bruechert

Romans 5:3-4 The Message (MSG) 3-5  There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

"God is a zealous Pruner, For He knows Who, falsely tender, spares the knife But spoils the rose. " - John Oxenham, (The Pruner)

"I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow... Whom shall I fear... I am Yours" - Casting Crowns

"Oh, touch the hem of His garment, And thou, too, shall be free; His healing power this very hour, Will bring new life to thee." - Springs in the Valley, (266)

Isaiah 40:25-28 New Century Version (NCV) 25 God, the Holy One, says, "Can you compare me to anyone? Is anyone equal to me?" 26 Look up to the skies. Who created all these stars? He leads out the army of heaven one by one and calls all the stars by name. Because he is strong and powerful, not one of them is missing. 27 People of Jacob, why do you complain? People of Israel, why do you say, "The Lord does not see what happens to me; he does not care if I am treated fairly"? 28 Surely you know. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever, who created all the world. He does not become tired or need to rest. No one can understand how great his wisdom is.

Galatians 5:16 The Message (MSG) 16-18  My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence? Galatians 5:23 The Message (MSG) 22-23  But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves ...

Romans 6:20-23 New Century Version (NCV) 20 In the past you were slaves to sin, and goodness did not control you.21 You did evil things, and now you are ashamed of them. Those things only bring death.22 But now you are free from sin and have become slaves of God. This brings you a life that is only for God, and this gives you life forever. 23 The payment for sin is death. But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have studied many times The marble which was chiseled for me - A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbour. In truth it pictures not my destination But my life. For love was offered me, and I shrank from its disillusionment; Sorrow knocked at my door, but I was afraid: Ambition called to me but I dreaded the chances. Yet all the while I hungered for meaning in my life And now I know that we must lift the sail And catch the winds of destiny Wherever they drive the boat. To put meaning in one's life may end in madness, But life without meaning is the torture Of restlessness and vague desire - It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.                                                                                           ...

Romans 9:19-26 New Century Version (NCV) 19 So one of you will ask me: "Then why does God blame us for our sins? Who can fight his will?"20 You are only human, and human beings have no right to question God. An object should not ask the person who made it, "Why did you make me like this?"21 The potter can make anything he wants to make. He can use the same clay to make one thing for special use and another thing for daily use. 22 It is the same way with God. He wanted to show his anger and to let people see his power. But he patiently stayed with those people he was angry with—people who were made ready to be destroyed.23 He waited with patience so that he could make known his rich glory to the people who receive his mercy. He has prepared these people to have his glory,24 and we are those people whom God called. He called us not from the Jews only but also from those who are not Jews. 25 As the Scripture says in Hosea: "I will say, 'You are my ...

"It is not a bit of good struggling for the premature unfolding of the Divine mystery. The revelation awaits our arrival at certain place in the road, and when Time  brings us to that place, and we enter into it's experiences, we shall find, to our delighted surprise, that it has become luminous. And so the only thing we need to be concerned about is to be on the King's high road, stepping out in accordance with His most Holy will." - Springs in the Valley (September 18)

Hebrews 13:14-16 (NCV) 14 Here on earth we do not have a city that lasts forever, but we are looking for the city that we will have in the future.15 So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak his name.16 Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God.

Luke 24:30-34 New Century Version (NCV)   30  When Jesus was at the table with them, he took some bread, gave thanks, divided it, and gave it to them. 31  And then, they were allowed to recognize Jesus. But when they saw who he was, he disappeared. 32  They said to each other, "It felt like a fire burning in us when Jesus talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us."   33  So the two followers got up at once and went back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven apostles and others gathered. 34  They were saying, "The Lord really has risen from the dead! He showed himself to Simon."

Nehemiah 8:10-12 New International Version (NIV) 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Once and English friend found her sitting on the steps of a bathing machine on the sea sands with a Bible on her knee, looking out into the glory of a sunset. They talked, and the conversation drew near to the inevitable question :"Oh Madame Goldschmidt, how is it that you came to abandon the stage at the very height of your success?" "When every day", was the quiet answer, "it made me think less of this (laying a finger in the Bible) and nothing at all of that (pointing to the sunset), what else could I do?"                      - Springs in the Valley (September 15)

"So further up and further in, we have no place else to go.  And when all we have is what we need, its joy that we will sow.  Blessed are the ones, Oh, blessed are the ones,  Blessed are the hungry ones."    - Audrey Assad

Genesis 12:2 Good News Translation (GNT) 2  I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing. "Despite this repeated promise, however, Sarah passed the age of child-bearing so that, humanly speaking, it looked as though God had left things too late. His revealed purpose seemed to have gone so far in reverse that it could never be restored. But that is, it seems, precisely how God delights to do things. It is His way to let things go until they look as if there is no way they can be turned around, and then He steps in to ensure that His plans and purposes persist...Hold steady - this is one of Your Father's all-wise, albeit confusing, ways"                       - Selwyn Hughes

1 John 4:17-19 New King James Version (NKJV) The Consummation of Love 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him[a] because He first loved us.

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Philippians 3:8-9 New Century Version (NCV) 8  Not only those things, but I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ 9  and to belong to him. Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with him.

Philippians 3:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV) Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith...

Proverbs 3:1-6 New Century Version (NCV) 1  My child, do not forget my teaching,         but keep my commands in mind.    2  Then you will live a long time,         and your life will be successful.    3  Don't ever forget kindness and truth.         Wear them like a necklace.         Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.    4  Then you will be respected         and will please both God and people.    5  Trust the Lord with all your heart,         and don't depend on your own understanding.    6  Remember the  Lord  in all you do,         and he will give you success.

Proverbs 16:1-9 The Message (MSG) Everything with a Place and a Purpose 1 Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word. 2 Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. 3 Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place. 4 God made everything with a place and purpose; even the wicked are included—but for judgment. 5 God can’t stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he’ll put those upstarts in their place. 6 Guilt is banished through love and truth; Fear-of-God deflects evil. 7 When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand. 8 Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich. 9 We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.

Ephesians 4:20-32 Good News Translation (GNT) 20  That was not what you learned about Christ!  21  You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus.  22  So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23  Your hearts and minds must be made completely new,  24  and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. 25  No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ.  26  If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day.  27  Don't give the Devil a chance.  28  If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be ab...

Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler 17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[a] 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. With God All Things Are Possible 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches...

Romans 14:17-19 GNT For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.  And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others.  So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another.

Whatever comes, God will give me the strength to deal with it." - Lisa Beamer

Not what but to WHOM do I believe! That, in my darkest hour of need, Hath comfort that no mortal creed To mortal man can give. Not what, but WHOM! For Christ is more than all the creeds, And His full life of gentle deeds Shall the creeds outlive. Not what I do believe, but WHOM! Who walks beside me in the gloom? Who shares the burden wearisome? Who all the dim way doth illume, And bids me look beyond the tomb The larger life to live? Not what I do believe, BUT WHOM! Not what, But WHOM!                                                - John Oxenham

Isaiah 46:4-11 New King James Version (NKJV) 4 Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you. 5 “To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal And compare Me, that we should be alike? 6 They lavish gold out of the bag, And weigh silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship. 7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble. 8 “Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do al...

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Psalm 69:29-36 New King James Version (NKJV) 29 But I am poor and sorrowful; Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. 30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. 31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull, Which has horns and hooves. 32 The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. 33 For the Lord hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners. 34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, The seas and everything that moves in them. 35 For God will save Zion And build the cities of Judah, That they may dwell there and possess it. 36 Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, And those who love His name shall dwell in it.

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.” ― Mother Teresa

"Letting go doesn't mean we don't care. Letting go doesn't mean we shut down. Letting go means we stop trying to force outcomes and make people behave. It means we give up resistance to the way things are, for the moment. It means we stop trying to do the impossible - controlling that which we cannot - and instead, focus on what is possible - which usually means taking care of ourselves. And we do this in gentleness, kindness, and love, as much as possible." - Melody Beattie

Romans 11:33-36 Good News Translation (GNT) Praise to God 33  How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways?  34  As the scripture says, “Who knows the mind of the Lord?      Who is able to give him advice? 35  Who has ever given him anything,      so that he had to pay it back?” 36  For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.

As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit. - Emmaunuel Teney

Life has outgrown Faith's childish way The proud and scoffing Folk insist; And so they laugh At all who say God's miracles exist. Well, let them laugh! The trusting heart Has joys which they Know naught thereof. And, daily, miracles are wrought For us who hold To faith and love! - Miracles, by John Richard Moreland

Romans 8:26-28 New King James Version (NKJV) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Isaiah 55:8-11 Good News Translation (GNT) 8  “My thoughts,” says the  Lord , “are not like yours,      and my ways are different from yours. 9  As high as the heavens are above the earth,      so high are my ways and thoughts above yours. 10  “My word is like the snow and the rain      that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow      and provide seed for planting and food to eat. 11  So also will be the word that I speak—      it will not fail to do what I plan for it;      it will do everything I send it to do.

1 Kings 18:36-39 New King James Version (NKJV) And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”

1 Timothy 4:4-5 New Century Version (NCV) 4  Everything God made is good, and nothing should be refused if it is accepted with thanks, 5  because it is made holy by what God has said and by prayer.

Micah 7:7 New King James Version (NKJV) Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.

Romans 15:4 New Century Version (NCV) 4  Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope.

Psalm 40:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!” 17 But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

"There in every memory See his love and care Strength and hands to count on Freely he does share Provider, toil so faithfully To make our dreams come true Give strong and tender discipline Though it is hard to do A Father is God's chosen one To lead the family And point it to His will for life Of love and harmony..." - Sue Skeen

Psalm 37:18-24 New King James Version (NKJV) 18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the Lord, Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives. 22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, But those cursed by Him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.