Andy's Inspiration Box

"It seems best to have a sort of open-ended waiting, whereby we wait expectantly for what God is going to do. Instead of focussing on our wishes we focus on hoping: a confident trust that God will be good and do good. And we let him determine the shape and the timing of that goodness. This enables us to live fully in the present moment even as we are aware something new may unfold in the future. By anxiously trying to control the future and childishly insisting that God fulfil all our wishes, we lose sight of what God might be doing in the present. We pay attention to the present rather than worrying about the future." - David Reay

"God, help the “yes” in my heart grow for You and the “no” in my heart to grow to everything else." - Leona Clausing

John 15:16 GNT You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name.

John 14:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT) Jesus, the Way to the Father 14  “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.   2  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. [ a ]  If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [ b ] 3  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

"God calls all of His children to repentance. This call is truly a gift, as it brings us closer to our Saviour. When we repent, we receive His gifts of unlimited grace and mercy. And through this process, we learn to extend grace and mercy to others." - Daniel Forster

"We aren’t called to do big things; we are just called to do something that fulfills this command: Love God. Love others." - Kristen Welch

Ecclesiastes 7:14 English Standard Version (ESV) 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Psalm 103:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT) Psalm 103 A psalm of David. 1  Let all that I am praise the  Lord ;      with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2  Let all that I am praise the  Lord ;      may I never forget the good things he does for me.

""Is it too big for me to fulfill without God's help?" If you can do it without His help, you are not dreaming big enough." - Tommy Barnett

"God bestows His blessings without discrimination. The followers of Jesus are children of God, and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all, even to those who deserve the opposite." - F. F. Bruce

"Let us remind ourselves this Christmastime that Jesus came out of the everywhere into here in order to lead us from the here to everywhere. A local Christ would be at the mercy of history. The Son of God became the Son of Man in order that the sons of men might become sons of God. How wonderful. How so very wonderful." - Mick Brooks

1 John 3:23 New International Version (NIV) 23  And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

Philippians 4:8-9 New International Version (NIV) 8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

James 5:16 New Living Translation (NLT) 16  Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Galatians 2:20 New International Version (NIV) 20  I have been crucified with Christ  and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,  who loved me  and gave himself for me.

Galatians 5: 1 Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.

Psalm 62:1-2 New Century Version (NCV) I find rest in God;      only he can save me. 2  He is my rock and my salvation.      He is my defender;      I will not be defeated.

Malachi 4:2 New International Version (NIV) 2  But for you who revere my name,  the sun of righteousness  will rise with healing  in its rays...

“God takes us as we are and uses us as he will, for our good and for his glory.” ~ Liz Curtis Higs

"For all that You have done, for us For every battle won We'll raise a song to bless Your heart For all that You have done." - Rend Collective

Luke 2:10 ESV And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

"You've got gifts that weren't given to line your life with; they were given to be a lifeline to others..." - Ann Voskamp

1 Corinthians 12: 27-31 GNT All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues. They are not all apostles or prophets or teachers. Not everyone has the power to work miracles or to heal diseases or to speak in strange tongues or to explain what is said. Set your hearts, then, on the more important gifts. Best of all, however, is the following way.

"...turn to the One whom you may have been inclined to forget when you lived in the larger house. He is waiting; and if he does not see fit to give you back the earthly possession once so highly prized by you, remember this: in a higher and better way He will restore those years." - Springs in the Valley, Dec 17

"Unconditional service is never easy. Unconditional service always has a cost, but it is a way of life for those who choose to follow. It marks us as true followers of the One who first demonstrated His love for us!" - Kristi Huseby

" Sometimes when God closes doors in your life it’s for your protection. Don’t be impatient." - Neil Vermillion

'May we seek this overflowing life, and become " channels only ," with " all His wondrous power flowing through us " so that He can use us every day and every hour!' - Evan H. Hopkins

"A light that the people in the dark couldn't ignite, couldn't fabricate - but could only find. Christmas can only be found. Christmas cannot be bought. Christmas cannot be created. Christmas cannot be made by hand, lit up, set out, dreamed up. Christmas can only be found. " - Ann Voskamp

@rendcollective: "When we start blowing oxygen on the flame of other people's gifts and talents, preferring others -that's when the Kingdom catches fire."

Psalm 21:6 New King James Version (NKJV) 6  For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.

Philippians 2:5-8 Living Bible (TLB) 5  Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, 6  who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, 7  but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. [ a ] 8  And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross. [ b ]

Job 11:13-18 English Standard Version (ESV) 13 If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. 14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. 15 Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. 16 You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. 17 And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. 18 And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.

Mark 4: 30-32 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."

James 1:16-17 New International Version (NIV) 16  Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadow

"The first day you prayed, God heard you. The first time you asked, God set the miracle into motion." - Leona Clausing

1 Peter 4:10 English Standard Version (ESV) 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace

"Let distractions come and go, but press forward steadily and irresistibly with your God-given task. The eagle flying in the upper air pays little or no attention to what is going on in the earth below him. As children of God we are to occupy our rightful place, "in the heavenlies", "far above all" these petty things. God would have us be "eagle saints". Let us not stoop from our position." - A. B. Simpson

John 14:6 New King James Version (NKJV) 6  Jesus said to him,  “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

"Pleasing God is more important than self- fulfilment . We must be careful to not take the focus off what is truly at the heart of Christianity: knowing and loving God. Out of that resource and relationship, we are able to live as servants in the power of the Spirit, according to the example of Christ." - John Grant

"To love is to commit. Love puts no conditions on the beloved. It's a gift given, not earned. Jesus went first, now we get to follow." - Scott Sauls

Luke 1:38 English Standard Version (ESV) 38  And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant [ a ] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

John 10:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV) 14  I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep ,  and am known by My own.   15  As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

Psalm 19:14 New King James Version (NKJV) 14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O  Lord , my strength and my Redeemer.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 English Standard Version (ESV) 9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart[a] of fools.

1 Timothy 1:15-17 New Living Translation (NLT) 15  This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” - and I am the worst of them all. 16  But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17  All honour and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

John 6:35 New King James Version (NKJV) 35  And Jesus said to them,  “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

"Sometimes, it hurts to serve. Honing your spiritual gifts can certainly help so that you’re not straining against your God-given abilities. But it’s also good to remember that developing grit — the practice of not giving up, even in the tough times — is also a biblical value. When serving is an arduous task, and you know you’re supposed to do it, don’t give up and complain about it. Instead, let God's Holy Spirit work through your weaknesses. You will be amazed at what God can accomplish through you as you let His strength and determination be your guide." - Christa Hardin

1 Chronicles 16:10 New King James Version (NKJV) 10  Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the  Lord !

"God doesn't demand us to carry the weight of understanding everything -- He only asks we stand close to Him & let Him undertake everything." - Ann Voskamp 

2 Corinthians 3:18 New International Version (NIV) 18  And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate [ a ] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:3-11 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

2 Peter 3:8-9 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 8  Dear friends, don’t forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day.  9  The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.

Luke 16:13 New International Version (NIV) 13  “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Psalm 136:1 Contemporary English Version (CEV) God’s Love Never Fails 136  Praise the  Lord ! He is good.      God’s love never fails.

Matthew 18: 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Exodus 15:11 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 11  Our  Lord , no other gods compare with you—      Majestic and holy!      Fearsome and glorious!      Miracle worker!

Isaiah 26: 1-11 GNT A day is coming when the people will sing this song in the land of Judah: Our city is strong! God himself defends its walls! Open the city gates and let the faithful nation enter, the nation whose people do what is right. You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us. He has humbled those who were proud; he destroyed the strong city they lived in, and sent its walls crashing into the dust. Those who were oppressed walk over it now and trample it under their feet. Lord, you make the path smooth for good people; the road they travel is level. We follow your will and put our hope in you; you are all that we desire. At night I long for you with all my heart; when you judge the earth and its people, they will all learn what justice is. Even though you are kind to the wicked, they never learn to do what is right. Even here in a land of righteous people they still do wron...

"Never underestimate the vital importance of finding early in life the work that for you is play. This turns possible underachievers into happy warriors." Ken Robinson ,  The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

Luke 10:27 New Living Translation (NLT) 27  The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbuor as yourself.’” [ a ]

Hebrews 12:28 New King James Version (NKJV) 28  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may [ a ]  serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Footnotes: Hebrews 12:28   M-Text omits  may.

"In a Christian life that is to be effective, there will always be the pause  and the poise ." - Springs in the Valley (November 26)

Colossians 3:17 New King James Version (NKJV) 17  And whatever you do in word or deed,  do  all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

"Even when life is full and good I need to be aware of choosing my focus. Otherwise I can get my spirit bogged down with concern over details, and end up being unfruitful. Do you pay attention to the nudges of God to draw you close to His heart? It may be a song running through your mind, or a phrase from a Bible verse, or a pull to connect with someone you know who will be encouraging to your faith. Where we focus we follow. When you’re driving and turn to see something on the side of the road, very quickly you are heading there and need to immediately adjust or you are off the road!" - Gail Rodgers

Colossians 2:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV) 6  As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  7  rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Philippians 2:12-13 English Standard Version (ESV) 12  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Galatians 1:10 New King James Version (NKJV) 10  For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

“At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in.” - C. S. Lewis

Colossians 3:15 New Living Translation (NLT) 15  And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Galatians 5: 16-18 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law.

Hebrews 12:25 GNT Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven!

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 New Living Translation (NLT) 26  Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27  Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.   28  God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29  As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

1 John 3:19-24 English Standard Version (ESV) 19  By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20  for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22  and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23  And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24  Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, [ a ] and God [ b ] in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

Deuteronomy 3:24 New Living Translation (NLT) 24  ‘O Sovereign  Lord , you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do?

Psalm 119:116 New Living Translation (NLT) 116  Lord , sustain me as you promised, that I may live!      Do not let my hope be crushed.

Matthew 11:28-29 English Standard Version (ESV) 28  Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Exodus 20:1-3 New International Version (NIV) 20  And God spoke all these words: 2  “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3  “You shall have no other gods before [ a ] me.

Psalm 119:105 New Living Translation (NLT) 105  Your word is a lamp to guide my feet      and a light for my path.

"We can play our part in this kingdom work. It may not seem much, but who knows how important the seemingly insignificant may be. We sow seeds that don’t seem to bear much fruit, but we have done what we can. We are servants, not Saviours." - David Reay

Psalm 119:18 New Living Translation (NLT) 18  Open my eyes to see      the wonderful truths in your instructions.

"Perhaps we need to simply accept the mystery of life as it is in this out-of-shape world where not even God has his own way. Perhaps we do best to look to the cross and see there that God is for us and we can rely on his love however hard it might be to identify it at any given time. For me, I have to conclude that God has promised me himself in Jesus and all the rest is up for grabs." - David Reay

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.

Psalm 84:11 NIV For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 119:143-144 The Message (MSG) 137-144  You  are  right and you  do  right,  God ;      your decisions are right on target. You rightly instruct us in how to live      ever faithful to you. My rivals nearly did me in,      they persistently ignored your commandments. Your promise has been tested through and through,      and I, your servant, love it dearly. I’m too young to be important,      but I don’t forget what you tell me. Your righteousness is eternally right,      your revelation is the only truth. Even though troubles came down on me hard,      your commands always gave me delight. The way you tell me to live is always right;      help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.