Andy's Inspiration Box

"A blessed spirit is a mould ever more and more patient of the bright metal poured into it, a body ever more completely uncovered to the meridian blaze of the spiritual sun." - C.S. Lewis

"At it’s core, to rest is to give thanks for the  present  and to trust that, as the future becomes the  present ,  God will supply what we need." - Sally Breedwell

"There is a course prepared for each believer from the moment of his new birth, providing for the fullest maturity of the new life within him, and the highest which God can make of his life in the use of every faculty for His service. To discover that course and fulfill it is the one duty of every soul. Others cannot judge what course it is; God alone knows it." - J. P. L.

"If you haven’t ever really decided where you’re going, any road will get you there — it’s only when you know where you want to go, that there’s only One Way." - Ann Voskamp

"Joy is not gush; Joy is not jolliness. Joy is simply perfect acquiescence in God's will, because the soul delights itself in God himself." - Prebendary Webb-Peploe

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.

So many things in life cause us to worry, to lose sight of God, to twist our lives out of shape. This is so because we were not made simply for this here-and-now life. We were made for relationship with God who is not, in the normal way, visible. We are destined for eternal life in the new heavens and new earth not to merely adapt to this out-of-shape world. We live boldly and creatively and gladly in this world but never lose sight of the fact there is another world. This world is now hidden but one day will become visible. Till then, we have dual citizenship and dare not assume that our present world is the only reality. We cannot see God but yet can experience him through his Spirit and through other people and through nature. We cannot embrace the new heavens and new earth but yet have a taste of them as we see God’s rule in practice. We live in the ‘now’, but always aware of the ‘not yet’. - David Reay

"Life’s not about earning anyone’s love,  but believing that you already are God’s beloved. Life’s  not about reputation, but redemption. We have nothing to prove.  For in Christ, we are already approved –  preapproved ." - Jennifer Dukes Lee

Psalm 119:162 King James Version (KJV) 162  I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

Psalm 27:8 New International Version (NIV) 8  My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ”      Your face,  Lord , I will seek.

I know not that Bethlehem's Babe Could in the Godhead be: I only know the Manger Child Has brought God's life to me. I know not how that Calvary's Cross A world from sin could free: I only know its matchless love Has brought God's love to me. I know not how that Joseph's tomb Could solve death's mystery: I only know a living Christ, Our immortality. - Major Harry W. Farrington

There is a higher throne Than all this world has known Where faithful ones from every tongue will come. Before the Son we’ll stand Made faultless through the Lamb Believing hearts find promised grace and love... Jesus, Savior, Christ my king All my life is solely for you Jesus, Savior, Christ my king All my life is solely for your glory. - Kings's Kaleidoscope, Higher Throne

Isaiah 64:4-9 Good News Translation (GNT) 4  No one has ever seen or heard of a God like you, who does such deeds for those who put their hope in him.  5  You welcome those who find joy in doing what is right, those who remember how you want them to live. You were angry with us, but we went on sinning; in spite of your great anger we have continued to do wrong since ancient times. [ a ]   6  All of us have been sinful; even our best actions are filthy through and through. Because of our sins we are like leaves that wither and are blown away by the wind.  7  No one turns to you in prayer; no one goes to you for help. You have hidden yourself from us and have abandoned [ b ]  us because of our sins. 8  But you are our father,  Lord . We are like clay, and you are like the potter. You created us,  9  so do not be too angry with us or hold our sins against us forever. We are your people; be merciful to us.

Zephaniah 3:17 New Living Translation (NLT) 17  For the  Lord  your God is living among you.      He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness.      With his love, he will calm all your fears.      He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Romans 10:10 English Standard Version (ESV) 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Psalm 85:11-13 New Living Translation (NLT) 11  Truth springs up from the earth,      and righteousness smiles down from heaven. 12  Yes, the  Lord  pours down his blessings.      Our land will yield its bountiful harvest. 13  Righteousness goes as a herald before him,      preparing the way for his steps.

"When some basic need is lacking —time, energy, money—consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live—in the present..." Sarah Young ,  Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." - Woodrow Wilson

The lovely things are the quiet things Soft falling snow, And feathers dropped from flying wings Make no sound as they go. A petal loosened from a rose, Quietly seeks the ground, And love, if lovely, when it goes, Goes without sound. - Springs in the Valley (May 22)

" Legalism lies, claiming God will only love us if we change. Jesus tells the truth, that only He will change us — because His love completely claims us." - Ann Voskamp

1 Peter 1:3-5 The Message (MSG) A New Life 3-5  What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.

Micah 7:7 New International Version (NIV) 7  But as for me, I watch  in hope  for the  Lord ,      I wait for God my Savior;      my God will hear  me.

"God wants nothing from us except our needs, and these furnish Him with room to display His bounty when He supplies them freely...Not what I have, but what I do not have, is the first point of contact between my soul and God." - Charles H. Spurgeon

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the  Lord  with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

"Whatever thou art, and wherever thou art, remember God is just what thou wantest , and just where thou wantest and that He can do all thou wantest !" - Charles H Spurgeon

Hebrews 6:10-11 New International Version (NIV) 10  God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.   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.

Matthew 7:21-23 English Standard Version (ESV) 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

John 4:24 The Message (MSG) 23-24  “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly  themselves  before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”

"It is not the cares of today, but the cares of tomorrow, that weigh a man down. For the needs of today we have corresponding strength given. For the morrow we are told to trust. It is not ours yet. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear." - George MacDonald

"They say that life’s just about putting one step in front of the other. But the real truth is — sometimes there is no way through anymore, no more just one step in front of the other. Sometimes the only way through is to start taking wild leaps of faith."  - Ann Voskamp

"In the very beginning it was God who formed us by His Word. He made us in His own image. God was spirit and He gave us a spirit so that He could come into us and mingle His own life with our life." - Madame Jeanne Guyon

Ezekiel 24:27 New King James Version (NKJV) ...Thus you will be a sign to them, and they shall know that I  am  the  Lord.

Leave the How with Jesus Secret things He knows; Infinite in wisdom, Time will all disclose. -Springs in the Valley (May 15)

We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow. We only need to know He leads us.  As Hebrews 4:16 promises, “we will find grace to help us when we need it.” - Max Lucado

The best thing about stillness is, that it gives God a chance to work. "He that is entered into His rest hath ceased from his own work, even as God did from His"; and when we cease from our thoughts, God's thoughts come into us; when we get still from our restless activity, "God worketh in us, both to will and to do good of His pleasure," and we have but to work it out. - Springs in the Valley (May 14)

Psalm 20 New King James Version (NKJV) The Assurance of God’s Saving Work To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David   May the  Lord  answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2  May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; 3  May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice.  Selah 4  May He grant you according to your heart’s  desire, And fulfill all your purpose. 5  We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up  our  banners! May the  Lord  fulfill all your petitions. 6  Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. 7  Some  trust  in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the  Lord  our God. 8  They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. 9...

Matthew 5:5 The Message (MSG) 5  “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

1 Peter 5:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV) 6  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,  7  casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

"God, like the eagle, stirs up our nest. Yesterday it was the place for us; today there is a new plan. He wrecks the nest, although He knows it is dear to us; perhaps because it is dear to us. He love us too well not to spoil our meager contentment. Let not our minds, therefore, dwell on second causes. It is His doing! Do not let us blame the thorn that pierces us." - Springs in the Valley (May 12)

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG) 28-30  “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Exodus 33:14 The Message (MSG) 14  God  said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end. Dear Lord, Thank you for Your never-ending love and grace. Help us to know you are always with us, in every moment of our day. Bless us, protect us and guide us as we serve You in all we do.  We ask these things in the name of Jesus. 

Jeremiah 10:6-10 English Standard Version (ESV) 6  There is none like you, O  Lord ;      you are great, and your name is great in might. 7  Who would not fear you, O King of the nations?      For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations      and in all their kingdoms      there is none like you. 8  They are both  stupid and foolish;      the instruction of idols is but wood! 9  Beaten silver is brought from  Tarshish,      and gold from  Uphaz. They are the work of the craftsman and of the hands of the goldsmith;      their clothing is violet and purple;      they are all the work of skilled men. 10  But the  Lord  is the true God;      he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth qu...

Psalm 33:15 Good News Translation (GNT) 15  He forms all their thoughts     and knows everything they do.

Psalm 18:24 The Message (MSG) 20-24  God  made my life complete      when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together,      he gave me a fresh start. Now I’m alert to  God ’s ways;      I don’t take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works;      I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together,      and I’m watching my step. God  rewrote the text of my life      when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.

"In our spiritual life life many of us seem to be content struggling along with the poor primitive resources of a weak, human nature, while all the infinite power of the Godhead is at our disposal. There is no condition of human nature, no circumstance of human life, that is not completely provided for in the all-embracing love of our Father God." - Springs in the Valley (May 9)

Micah 7:7 New International Version (NIV) 7  But as for me, I watch  in hope  for the  Lord ,      I wait for God my Savior;      my God will hear  me.

Psalm 71:7-8 New Living Translation (NLT) 7  My life is an example to many,      because you have been my strength and protection. 8  That is why I can never stop praising you;      I declare your glory all day long.

Isaiah 41:13 New International Version (NIV) 13  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.

"If God is putting you through a spell of submission, and you seem to be losing your individuality and everything else, it is because Jesus is making you one with Him ." - Springs in the Valley (May 7)

"Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter." - Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

"If one is joyful, it means one is faithfully living for God, and that nothing else counts; and if one gives joy to others one is doing God's work. With joy without and joy within, all is well." - Janet Erskine Stuart

Isaiah 26:3 New International Version (NIV) 3  You will keep in perfect peace      those whose minds are steadfast,      because they trust  in you.

"When you've come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen; either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly." - Edward Teller

"Oh, sorrowful soul! Trust just a little longer. Who knows, but o'er your bare, brown hill  The wagons may be coming nearer still! Give faith a chance."  - Fay Inchfawn

Isaiah 44:3-5 New International Version (NIV) 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. 4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. 5 Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.

Psalm 29:2 New King James Version (NKJV) 2  Give unto the  Lord  the glory due to His name; Worship the  Lord  in the beauty of holiness.

Proverbs 6:20-23 New International Version (NIV) My son,  keep your father’s command      and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 21  Bind them always on your heart;      fasten them around your neck. 22  When you walk, they will guide you;      when you sleep, they will watch over you;      when you awake, they will speak to you. 23  For this command is a lamp,      this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction      are the way to life...

Acts 3:25 Good News Translation (GNT) 25 The promises of God through his prophets are for you, and you share in the covenant which God made with your ancestors. As he said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants I will bless all the people on earth.'

Lamentations 3:24 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 24 Deep in my heart I say, “The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!”

Proverbs 29:25 New Living Translation (NLT) 25  Fearing people is a dangerous trap,      but trusting the  Lord  means safety.

Upon Thy Word I rest Each pilgrim day; This golden staff is best For all the way. What Jesus Christ has spoken Cannot be broken! - Frances Ridley Havergal

Luke 1:78-79 New Living Translation (NLT) 78  Because of God’s tender mercy,      the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, 79  to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,      and to guide us to the path of peace.”