Andy's Inspiration Box

Dear child, God does not say today, "Be strong"; He knows your strength is spent; He knows how long The road has been, how weary you have grown, For He who walked the earthly roads alone, Each bogging lowland, and each rugged hill, Can understand, and so he says, "Be still, And know that I am God". The hour is late, And you must rest awhile, and you must wait Until life's empty reservoirs fill up As slow rain fills an empty upturned cup. Hold up your cup, dear child for God to fill. He only asks today that you be still. - Grace Noll Crowell

Psalm 127:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) Laboring and Prospering with the  Lord A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. 127  Unless the  Lord  builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the  Lord  guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 2  It is  vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For  so He gives His beloved sleep.

"When God alone can win the victory, faith lets God do it all. It is better to trust than to try." - Sunday School Times

Colossians 2:6-7 New International Version (NIV) Spiritual Fullness in Christ 6  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,  continue to live your lives in him,   7  rooted  and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,  and overflowing with thankfulness.

"God is never slow from His standpoint, but He is from ours , because impetuosity and doing things prematurely are universal weaknesses." - Springs in the Valley (October 29)

Philippians 4:10-14 New International Version (NIV) Thanks for Their Gifts 10  I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.   11  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content  whatever the circumstances. 12  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,  whether living in plenty or in want.   13  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14  Yet it was good of you to share  in my troubles.

God is not dumb that He should speak no more. If thou hast wanderings in the wilderness And find'st not Sinai, 'tis thy soul is poor: There towers the mountain of the Voice no less, Which whoso seeks shall find, and mortal ends, Sees it not, neither hears its thundering lore.  - Lowell

"The soul which hath launched itself forth upon God is in a free place, filled with the fresh air of the hills of God." - Springs in the Valley, Oct 28

Ephesians 6:18-20 New International Version (NIV) 18  And pray in the Spirit  on all occasions  with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying  for all the Lord’s people.   19  Pray also for me,  that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly  make known the mystery of the gospel,   20  for which I am an ambassador  in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

"...Jesus is praying for you. That thought must surely stir your heart to worship and praise...Doesn't the fact that Jesus is praying for you, and knows the problems you may be facing, cause your soul to break forth in praise?" - Selwyn Hughes

Romans 5:1-4 NLT Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Ephesians 5:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV) ...be filled with the Spirit,  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord...

"Take time for prayer if you have to take it by violence. Take time to behold Him! " - Springs in the Valley (October 25)

Psalm 91:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God 91  He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2  I will say of the  Lord ,  “He is my  refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Luke 10:41-42 New Living Translation (NLT) 41  But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Psalm 16:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV) 8  I have set the  Lord  always before me; Because  He is  at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” - Max Lucado

"We are not alone on our journey. The God of love who gave us life sent us His only Son to be with us at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost on our struggles but always can trust that God walks with us." - Henri J. M. Nouwen

Proverbs 15:33 New King James Version (NKJV) 33  The fear of the  Lord   is  the instruction of wisdom, And before honor  is  humility.

"Surrender your will to God. He will never take advantage of you." - Evan H. Hopkins

"I see the stubborn heights, The bruising rock, the straining soul. I see the goal!" - Philip Wendell Crannell

James 1:4 The Message (MSG) Faith Under Pressure 2-4  Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

"Our whole life is continually thrown into the air in praise in the trust that it will be caught, blessed, and returned renewed." - Selwyn Hughes

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.  -  Psalm 37:4   NKJV

Job 1:20-21 Amplified Bible (AMP) 20  Then Job arose and rent his robe and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshiped 21  And said, Naked (without possessions) came I [into this world] from my mother’s womb, and naked (without possessions) shall I depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed (praised and magnified in worship) be the name of the Lord!

"Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul." - Horatio G. Spafford

I would be true for there are those who trust me, I would be pure for there are those who care, I would be strong for there is much to suffer, I would be brave for there is much to dare, I would be friend to all, the foe of friendless, I would be giving and forget the gift, I would be humble for I know my weakness, I would look up and laugh and love and lift. ~J. T. Pugh

"He is not satisfied until we have learned to depend, not on upon his gifts, but Himself." - Rev. Percy Ainsworth

"And let the storm that does Thy work, Deal with me as it may." - Springs in the Valley (October 17)

1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message (MSG) 13  No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

As one of a thousand you may just fail; But as "One, Plus God," you are bound to win. - Springs in the Valley (October 16)

"When God commands you to do a thing, it is the highest possible evidence, equal to an oath, that we can do it." - Charles G. Finney

Haggai 1:4-5 English Standard Version (ESV) 4  “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while  this house lies in ruins?   5  Now, therefore, thus says the  Lord  of hosts:  Consider your ways.

"I shall pray on. Though distant as it seems The answer may be almost at my door, Or just around the corner on its way, But, whether near or far, yes, I shall pray - I shall pray on." - Edith Mapes

2 Corinthians 1:10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 10  He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again

"When The Lord is to lead a soul to great faith, He for a time leaves a prayer unanswered."  - Springs in the Valley, Oct 14

Psalm 111:2-9 NIV Great are the works of the Lord ; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.

"Wouldst thou not rather call forth Mine omnipotent doing by thine asking, if to this I have called thee, than even to be busy with thine own doing?" - James H. McConkey

1 Kings 19:11-12 New King James Version (NKJV) God’s Revelation to Elijah 1 1  Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the  Lord .” And behold, the  Lord  passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the  Lord ,  but  the  Lord   was  not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake,  but  the  Lord   was  not in the earthquake;  12  and after the earthquake a fire,  but  the  Lord   was  not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

"We can be cleansed, healed, restored, forgiven, but it is not until we return all the easy back home in praising and glorifying God that we are made whole." - Selwyn Hughes

Ruth 2:12 English Standard Version (ESV) 12  The  Lord  repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the  Lord , the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!

Proverbs 19:21 New International Version (NIV) 21  Many are the plans in a person’s heart,  but it is the  Lord ’s purpose that prevails.

Psalm 119:47-48 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 47  I find my delight in your commandments,      because I love them. 48  I revere your commandments, which I love,      and I will meditate on your statutes.

"Every good relationship starts with the intentional choice to monitor and guard your own attitude." - Dr Caroline Leaf

Isaiah 65:17-19 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Glorious New Creation 17  For I am about to create new heavens      and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered      or come to mind. 18  But be glad and rejoice forever      in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,      and its people as a delight. 19  I will rejoice in Jerusalem,      and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,      or the cry of distress.

Lord teach us to yield to you completely and wholly. Give us Your peace which surpasses all understanding.  Guide us in Your steps, Your way, Your light... Let us rest in Your unconditional love. 

"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." - C. T. Studd

"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." - Saint Augustine

Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

"He never forsakes; He never is gone, So count on His presence  ...in darkness and dawn." - Paul Rader

1 Corinthians 15:20-26 NIV  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Matthew 10:39 New International Version (NIV) 39  Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

"God has a plan for you and He has heard your prayers; you may not realize how close you are to your breakthrough."  - Joyce Meyer

"We give our worship to God and, in our giving, God gives Himself to us." - Selwyn Hughes

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 New International Version (NIV) 26  Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.  Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.   27  But God chose  the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28  God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are,   29  so that no one may boast before him.   30  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus,  who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness,  holiness  and redemption.   31  Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” [ a ] Footnotes: 1 Corinthians 1:31  Jer. 9:24

"Under the control of God ordinary instruments become extraordinary." - Springs in the Valley (October 4)

2 Chronicles 20:1-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 20  It happened after this  that  the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and  others  with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat.  2  Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria;   and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which  is  En Gedi). 3  And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the  Lord , and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.  4  So Judah gathered together to ask  help  from the  Lord ; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the  Lord . 5  Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the  Lord , before the new court,  6  and said: “O  Lord  God of our fathers,  are  You not God in heaven, and do You  not  rule over all the kingdoms o...

John 15:5 New Living Translation (NLT) 5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

Matthew 5:14 New King James Version (NKJV) 14  “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

"What you are doing right now IS what God has called you to do right now." - Priscilla Shirer

“...if God teaches us victory in Christ Jesus day by day, we live in the constant awareness of His greatness and His sufficiency. Hard lessons are often long-lasting lessons. Never forget that God is far more interested in our getting to know the Deliverer than simply being delivered.”  ―  Beth Moore ,  Praying God's Word: Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds

Strange gift indeed! - a thorn to prick, To pierce into the quick; To cause perpetual sense of pain; Strange gift! - and yet, 'twas given for gain Unwelcome, yet it came to stay; Nor could it e'en be prayed away. It came to fill it's God-planned place, A life-enriching means of grace. God' grace-thorns - ah, what forms they take; What piercing, smarting pain they make! And yet, each one in love is sent, And always just for blessing meant. And so, whate'er thy thorn may be, From God accept it willingly; But reckon Christ - His life - the power To keep, in thy most trying hour. And sure - thy life will richer grow; He grace sufficient will bestow; And in Heav'ns morn thy joy 'twill be That, by His thorn, He strengthened thee. - J. Danson Smith