Daily Bible Inspirations

Faith is a Fight

Heather Tietz — Tue, 31 May 2022 11:00:35 GMT

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
–1 Timothy 6:12

Faith is a fight.

Even Paul, who was blinded and miraculously healed, who gave up his home and his commanding position as a rabbi to share Jesus, battled for his faith. He confessed in …

My Strength and Song

Pastor Ken — Mon, 30 May 2022 11:00:34 GMT

The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.
–Psalm 118:14

I had a huge burden, far larger than I could handle.

I got in my car and started driving. “Jesus is my strength and my song,” I said. I repeated today’s verse many times with all my heart.

Then I recalled how Jesus really had helped me in past situations that had seemed impossible. My heart filled with gratitude. Soon, I had full confidence that God would be my strength. I knew I could handle my burden with Jesus’ help.

When I can not see any way to solve my problem, I hand it over to Jesus. Then Jesus says to me “Thank you, my child. I will handle it.” And He does.

I pray that God will do the same for you today. Focus on Jesus, not on the problems that plague you. Jesus is the specialist who can solve all your problems. Give them to Him. Put them in His capable hands. Let Him be your strength and give you a song worth singing.

Reflection

How can I make Jesus my source of strength in my daily life?

Prayer

Dear Lord, I praise You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength because of Your marvelous help, love, and the gift of salvation. You are the source of my strength. You are my unending song. In the name of Jesus, who is my Salvation, I pray. Amen.

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God’s Theme

John Michalak — Sun, 29 May 2022 11:00:39 GMT

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
–Romans 8:28

When writing an essay, we are taught that the most effective and powerful way to communicate is to end where you begin.

In the introduction, you should say what you’re going to say; in the middle or body, you should say it; …

The Eclipse that Ended a War

Ami — Sat, 28 May 2022 11:00:33 GMT

He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
–Micah 6:8

For years, Aylattes, the Lydian king, had waged war against the Medes, led by King Cyaxares.

Fueled in part by a desire for revenge (one of Cyaxares’ sons was killed; he held the Medes personally responsib…

God’s Recruit

Heather Tietz — Fri, 27 May 2022 11:00:51 GMT

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
–John 15:13

What could be more loving than to step in between death and another person?

In the United States, on the last Monday in May, we remember the 1.2 million soldiers who have stepped in front of death for us.

When Gideon was building his army (Judges 7), God told him to give his recruits an opportunity to go home if they wanted. And most of them did. But 10,000 men stayed. Those 10,000 had the courage, the built-in God-given love, that empowered them to put their lives at risk for others.

Jesus was God’s recruit.

Though He had angels at His beckoning and unlimited power in His words, He never seized an opportunity to go home. He willingly stepped into battle and laid down His life. He was undoubtedly brave. But the Bible tells us it wasn’t courage that led Him to the cross or courage that kept Him there.

It was love. Love for His disciples; love for the God-hungry people He healed; love for the followers that hung on His words; love for the billions of strangers that hadn’t yet been born, hadn’t even had the chance to seek out the Creator who made them; love for you and me.

Jesus loved all, friends and strangers alike. He even loved His enemies.

We have the undoubted assurance that Jesus laid down His life for us. He loves us, too.

Reflection

Who would I willingly lay down my life for? Do they know and love Jesus?

Prayer

Precious Lord, Thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your all. May I daily give my all to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Take Refuge in Jesus

Pastor Ken — Thu, 26 May 2022 11:00:41 GMT

But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice. Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.
–Psalm 5:11

When the King of Judah, Hezekiah, was surrounded by the Assyrian Army, he could not see any way to victory.

It was a crisis. Hezekiah sensed that without God’s help, the country was on the …

I Am Willing

Darla Noble — Wed, 25 May 2022 11:00:28 GMT

Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.”
–Luke 1:46-48

Mary’s joyful obedience came with a steep price tag: gossip, ridicule, the potential loss of her fiancé, and the stigma of disgrace.

But nothing was too great a price as far as Mary was concerned. She was happy to be faithful and obedient to God.

I don’t think Mary was fully aware of the magnitude of the responsibility entrusted to her. How could she have been? She was a naïve bride-to-be. Besides, nothing like this had ever happened before.

But by thinking about all of these things in her heart, she knew that God had called her to do something amazing and she was a willing servant, trusting Him with her life and the life of her baby boy.

You can say the same.

Daily, listen to God’s leading through prayer, Bible study, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

If you long to know what God’s plan is for your life, ask Him to tell you, and obey what He says. Let your obedience come from a joyful heart, without worrying about what people think or say.

There is only one Savior, one Messiah, one Jesus. God will never call any of us to do what Mary did, but He still calls us to be His representatives here on earth.

He is waiting for us to be willing.

Reflection

When was the last time I asked God to show me His will for my life? How did I respond?

Prayer

Loving Lord, Please open my eyes and ears to see and hear You. Help me to listen and obey. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Shining Like the Hope Diamond

Heather Tietz — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:00:54 GMT

My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion: so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck.
–Proverbs 3:21-22

For 400 years, the Hope Diamond, a 45-carat blue jewel, has traveled the world.

It has graced royalty and commoners alike. Today it rests in the Smithsonian, insured for 250 million dollars. Once it was…

Recognizing God’s Spirit

Ami — Mon, 23 May 2022 11:00:31 GMT

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.
–1 John 4:2

The apostle John wanted the readers of his letters to clearly understand how they could identify the Spirit of God in the people they encountered.

When Jesus was still on the earth, He healed many people who were possessed with unclean, evil spirits (see Matthew 8:16, Luke 8:29, and Luke 11:14, for example). John saw this firsthand when he followed Jesus — though he never wrote about these healings in his gospel.

In John’s later writings — John I, II, and III — he warns against gullibility. “Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God because many false prophets have gone out into the world,” he says (1 John 4:1). In other words, don’t believe everyone who claims to be a Christian.

With his own ears, John had heard even demons recognize Jesus’ divinity (Matthew 8:29). He had been present at Jesus’ crucifixion — he knew how easily people could be misled. So he presents those who come after him with a foolproof way of recognizing God’s Spirit in those they meet: “every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.”

We may quibble over different styles of worship, but we must never fail to recognize God’s Spirit in our brothers and sisters who, like us, claim Christ as God’s Son and their Savior.

Reflection

In whom did I last see the Spirit of God?

Prayer

Holy God, Help me to not only recognize Your Spirit in Your other children, but to also let others see Your Spirit in me. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.

Loving Dominion

Erica Cosgrove — Sun, 22 May 2022 11:00:43 GMT

God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
–Genesis 1:26

My housemates and I have a young dog we recently took through obedience classes.

She is rather ene…

Spending Time

Ami — Sat, 21 May 2022 11:00:35 GMT

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what will a man give in exchange for his life?”
–Mark 8:36-37

Every year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts a Time Use Survey. According to the responses in 2017, on any given day, the average American over 15 years of age spent their time in this way:

Sleeping — 9 …

Wounded for Us

Heather Tietz — Fri, 20 May 2022 11:00:34 GMT

But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.
–Isaiah 53:5

In the Garden of Eden, God clothed Adam and Eve after they sinned.

Genesis 3:21 tells us God made their clothing from animal skins. In other words, the first deathly wound of this world was created by God Himself: an animal died to clothe Adam and Eve. In turn, Adam and Eve had to wear a reminder of their sin.

So the story of redemption begins — the blameless die to cover the sins of the guilty.

Throughout the Old Testament, innocent animals, flawless, beautiful animals were slaughtered so sinners could see and feel the weight of their sins. Sin often seems reasonable until you think about its consequence.

Through the deathly wounds of the innocent, God’s people could see the ugliness of their sin. Through the suffering of the blameless, they could feel remorse, and they could suppress their craving for doing wrong.

Jesus, like the perfect, innocent animals, was sacrificed for us. He was the last to be wounded, the last to suffer so that we could see, hear, and feel the gravity of our sins.

Adam and Eve had to accept and wear the animal skin clothing from God to cover the results of their sin. We have to take Jesus. We must choose Him, wear Him, in a sense, and let Him cover our sinful hearts, for by His wounds we are healed.

Reflection

When did I choose to accept Jesus and ask Him to cover over my heart? How has that affected my life?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank You for loving me and covering me with Your grace. You heal all my shortcomings. In Christ’s precious name I pray, Amen.

Everything Is God’s Grace

Pastor Ken — Thu, 19 May 2022 11:00:32 GMT

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
–James 4:6

God gives grace to the humble.

The proud thinks himself to be above others. Thus, in his heart, he says, “I don’t need God because I can deal with things on my own.”

But humility recognizes our shortcomings and our need for the Savior and God. It a…

God’s Precious Gift to Me

Beatrice Jean-Baptiste — Wed, 18 May 2022 11:00:28 GMT

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
–2 Chronicles 7:14

Imagine getting a letter in the mail with a promise of a check for one million dollars if you wake up the next day at four o’ clock in the morning.

Or imagine getting an all-expense-paid trip of your choice if you volunteer with the local homeless shelter for a day. These imagined scenarios are within your reach if the conditions are met. If the conditions aren’t met, then these opportunities disappear.

Your prayer life is worth more than a million dollars or a free trip. Prayer has the potential of connecting your heart to the heart of God if you approach prayer in a spirit of humility, repentance, and transparency.

God hears your innermost prayer. He is tuned into you. He promises to heal you of your brokenness and forgive you of your sins.

Prayer is more than a task on a to-do list. It is a precious gift of intimacy between the God of the Universe and His image-bearers.

God wants to shower you with His love. He desires your good.

Open your heart to God in prayer. Experience His supernatural love and acceptance so your faith will be renewed and your joy will overflow.

Reflection

How can I take my prayer life to the next level?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Please give me a heart that earnestly seeks You in prayer. Allow my love for You to grow and my prayer life to soar. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

A Humble Heart

Heather Tietz — Tue, 17 May 2022 11:00:39 GMT

The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” His servant was healed in that hour.
–Matthew 8:8, 13

Thanks to the Roman military, Rome ruled most of the Middle East during Jesus’ lifetim…

God’s Power Working All Day

Sam — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:00:30 GMT

Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for I pray to you. LORD, in the morning you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
–Psalm 5:2-3

When my wife and I were dating, we lived about four hours apart from each other.

At night I would go to bed with text messages and emoticons of love. First thing in the morning, I’d text her some devotional and love emoticons.

When I had issues with someone at work, she would listen patiently, offering comfort and advice when I was ready for it. It helped me deal with my daily stress to know that she was always there to support me. I loved her (I still do!) and that is why I wanted to tell her everything.

Likewise, God loves you. That’s why He wants you to tell Him everything. Then He comforts you, gives you advice, erases your worries, fears and insecurities. If you let Him, He will wrap you in His loving arms of acceptance, giving you security and abundant life.

To experience God’s explosive blessings:

Take time to pray at the start and the end of every day.

List your problems. Praise God that He has already changed them to blessings. Thank Him that you have already accomplished all your goals and dreams through His Almighty power. Repeat this during the day.

As today’s verse advises: lay your requests before God — and watch expectantly.

Reflection

What are three problems I want God’s power to work out? What are three goals I want God’s help to reach?

Prayer

Holy Lord, You know the end from the beginning. You have promised to answer before I even call. Please hear my cry for help. Bless my dreams and my desires, Lord, as I work and live for You. Amen.

Amazing Grace

Katelyn Molloy — Sun, 15 May 2022 11:00:32 GMT

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.
–Ephesians 2:8-9

A long time ago, in the temple courts of ancient Jerusalem, there stood two men.

One was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector.

The Pharisee stood in the middle of the courtyard with people all around him…

God’s Résumé

John Michalak — Sat, 14 May 2022 11:00:38 GMT

The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high. He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. There will be stability in your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is your treasure. For the LORD is our judge. The LORD is our lawgiver. The LORD is our king. He will save us.
–Isaiah 33:5-6, 22

A résumé is often required…

Doing Jesus’ Works

Heather Tietz — Fri, 13 May 2022 11:00:31 GMT

Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father.
–John 14:12

Loma Linda Hospital is a nationally recognized medical center.

It offers something that few other hospitals do: Jesus. The staff at Loma Linda pray for patients as a team before surgeries and procedures, and they pray alongside grieving families and struggling patients.

They recognize that the knowledge of healing they have has come from God. They look for Him to use their expertise as they share Jesus’ heart with the downtrodden.

Jesus’ works, His healing hands, are not removed from our world. In His time, in His way, He still uses Christian people to not only do His works but also, as Jesus Himself said, “Do greater works than these.”

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for the poor. The Red Cross, World Vision, and Compassion International feed, clothe, educate, and pay for medical care for those in need.

God gives steady hands and able minds to Christian doctors to heal diseases and mend broken bodies. We too, even without medical training, can lay hands of faith on others and, in God’s timing, if it is in His great plan, He will heal.

As we step out in faith, we are doing Jesus’ work. When we do, we often discover that miracles do happen still.

God can use us to “do greater works than these.”

Reflection

When did I last experience healing? Who did God use to heal me?

Prayer

Dear God, Please let me be Your hands. Let me touch someone’s life today on Your behalf, bringing them the good news of You and Your love for all humanity. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.

The One Who Hears Me

Heather Tietz — Thu, 12 May 2022 11:00:31 GMT

Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
–Psalm 61:1-2

Nine-year-old Alice Cogswell sat alone, watching her siblings play.

No one interacted with her. In the early 1800s, not many people knew how to listen to deaf people. But her new neighbo…