companion

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
- Psalm 23:4a (NIV)
 
It’s Friday the 13th! I may be a little weird, but I actually love Friday the 13th. And since this is February 13th, that means tomorrow we celebrate Valentine’s Day. (Shoutout to the best Valentine—my husband. I love you, babe.)
Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated as a day for lovers, but it’s not just that. It’s also a day for friends, for companions, for those people—and even pets—who show up, stay close, and walk beside us no matter what.
In Psalm 23, God reveals Himself as Jehovah-Shammah—the Lord who is there. This is the verse where everything shifts. David moves from talking about God to speaking directly to Him. The Shepherd becomes personal. Present. Near.
Jehovah-Shammah doesn’t promise that we won’t walk through valleys. But He does promise that we will never walk through them alone. His presence doesn’t remove the shadows, but it removes the fear. Knowing God is with us changes how we face uncertainty, loss, and hardship.
True companionship isn’t about fixing everything—it’s about staying. And Jehovah-Shammah is the God who stays. In the joy. In the fear. In the valleys and the victories. Always there.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

still waters

He leads me beside the still waters.
- Psalm 23:2b (NKJV)
 
In addition to motorcycles, my husband and I spend time enjoying nature on our ATVs and his off-road bikes. One of the things I love most about exploring the trails in this area is that we nearly always come across water—and those moments often become some of the most peaceful places to stop, breathe, and reflect.
There is something about water that quiets the noise. The rushing of schedules, the weight of responsibilities, the constant pull of what comes next—all of it seems to fade when you pause beside still waters.
In Psalm 23, God is revealed as Jehovah-Shalom—the Lord our peace. Notice that peace isn’t something we stumble upon on our own; it’s something God leads us to. Sheep won’t drink from rushing streams—they’re easily frightened, easily swept away so just as a shepherd carefully guides his sheep to calm waters where they can safely drink and rest, God intentionally leads us into places of peace.
Peace works the same way in our lives. God doesn’t just command peace; He leads us into it. Often that means slowing down, letting go, and trusting Him enough to stop striving.
Peace doesn’t mean life is free from trouble or uncertainty. It means that even in the middle of it, God is present, steady, and near. Jehovah-Shalom meets us in the quiet moments and invites us to slow down, trust Him, and rest.
Even when life feels noisy and chaotic, He knows where the still waters are, and He is always willing to lead us there.
When we allow ourselves to pause where God leads, peace has room to settle in.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

healer

He restores my soul.
- Psalm 23:3a (NKJV)
 
In 2019, while hiking in Spearfish Canyon, I slipped on a wet, mossy rock and broke my leg. Not a clean, easy-to-fix break, but both bones—one shattered and the other fractured. That fall resulted in being medivac’d off the mountain, followed by not one but two excruciating nine-hour rides to get home. Surgery placed a plate and eight pins in my leg, but complications followed—an infection that went into the bone, and then a pulmonary embolism that nearly ended my life.
Broken bones like this normally take six to eight weeks to heal, but with all the complications, it took six months for me. Healing became a long, exhausting process that tested my patience, my faith, and my strength in ways I wasn’t prepared for.
In Psalm 23, David reminds us that God is Jehovah-Rapha—the Lord who heals. Sometimes healing is physical, and sometimes it is emotional or spiritual. And often, it is not quick. Restoration takes time. God does not rush the process, nor does He abandon us in it.
“He restores my soul” speaks to a deeper healing—one that reaches beyond what is visible. Jehovah-Rapha works gently and intentionally, mending not only what is broken in our bodies, but what has been worn down in our hearts. He meets us in the slow recovery, the setbacks, and the waiting, restoring us piece by piece.
Healing may not come on our timeline, but it always comes from His hand.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

provider

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
- Psalm 121:2 (NIV)
 
It’s easy to say we trust God as our Provider—until we’re faced with uncertainty. The waiting. The unknowns. The moments when we start doing mental math and wondering how everything is going to work out.
Over the past year, my husband and I have both faced health challenges and lost our jobs just a few months apart. While we have both recovered from the job loss and are truly happy in our new roles, the health challenges have brought changes that will stay with us long term. They have required adjustments, patience, and a deeper dependence on God than we may have known before.
Trusting God with provision isn’t always about money or resources. Sometimes it’s about trusting Him with time, energy, direction, or even patience. We want answers quickly, solutions clearly laid out, and reassurance that everything will be okay. God often provides those things—but not always on our timeline.
In Scripture, God is revealed as Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides. His provision is intentional and timely. When David says, “I shall not want,” he isn’t claiming a life of abundance—he’s declaring trust. Trust that the Shepherd sees the full picture and will supply exactly what is needed, exactly when it is needed.
Jehovah-Jireh provides not only for our physical needs, but for our hearts. He gives us peace when answers are slow to come and strength when resources feel thin. When we begin to trust Him as our Provider, anxiety loosens its grip and gratitude begins to grow.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

sheep

The Lord is my shepherd
- Psalm 23:1a (NIV)
 
Visiting new churches can be exciting and scary at the same time. You might be greeted warmly and welcomed with open arms—or you might not have anyone really speak to you at all. When you show up at a church on a motorcycle, it can truly go either way.
Over the past few weeks, my husband and I have visited a church that is really making an impact on us. The pastor has been focusing on sheep (yes… sheep), and yesterday he unpacked Psalm 23 and the names of God found within it. It was such a simple yet powerful reminder of who God is and how He cares for us. This week, I want to share a few of those names with you.
In Psalm 23, David calls God Jehovah-Raah—the Lord who shepherds. A shepherd doesn’t rush the flock or drive them forward from behind. He walks ahead, watching, guiding, and protecting. He knows the terrain. He knows the dangers. And he knows his sheep well enough to notice when one is tired or beginning to wander.
David wasn’t speaking in theory. He had lived the life of a shepherd himself. Calling the Lord his Shepherd was a declaration of trust—I am not leading my life alone.
Because Jehovah-Raah goes before us, we are not lacking. That doesn’t mean life is always easy or predictable, but it does mean we have what we truly need: guidance when we’re unsure, protection when we’re vulnerable, and rest when we’re weary.
Sometimes faith is simply choosing to follow—trusting that the One who leads us sees farther than we can.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

unfinished

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
 
I’ve used a Franklin Planner since 1995. It’s been great for organizing my thoughts, tracking tasks, and taking notes during meetings. I have come into the 21st century, though—no more paper planners and switching pages each month. These days, my planner lives on my iPad.
Years ago, I had a manager who once watched me at the end of the day as I worked through my task list, making sure everything was checked off. He looked at me and said, “You know, you don’t have to check off every box every day.”
I was mortified. The OCD part of me requires that every box be checked.
But life doesn’t always work that way, does it? Some things carry over. Some plans take longer. Some progress happens quietly, without a neat little checkmark beside it. It’s easy to look back on a week and focus on what didn’t get finished. The things we meant to do, the conversations we wish had gone better, the plans that changed along the way. We’re often harder on ourselves than we need to be.
But God doesn’t measure progress the way we do.
Paul reminds us that God isn’t looking at our lives with a checklist. He’s not disappointed when things are unfinished. God is still at work—steadily, faithfully, patiently. What He starts, He continues. Even when we feel incomplete, unsure, or a little worn down, God hasn’t stepped away. He hasn’t lost interest. He isn’t disappointed in the pace. What God begins, He continues—and He’s far more patient with the process than we often are with ourselves.
As this week comes to a close, let that truth rest lightly on your heart. You don’t have to have everything figured out, it’s okay if not everything got done. It’s okay if some things remain unfinished. God is still working, and He’s doing it with love.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

never alone

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
 
There are seasons when the weight we carry feels heavier than usual. Responsibilities pile up, expectations linger, and even good things can leave us worn down. When that happens, it’s easy to pull inward and try to handle everything on our own.
But God never intended for us to walk alone.
Jesus invites the weary to come to Him, promising rest—not more demands. And often, that rest comes not only through quiet moments with Him, but also through the people He places in our lives. Friends, family, church, coworkers, fellow believers… in every walk of life, God gives us others to lean on.
Needing help doesn’t mean we’re failing. It means we’re human. God meets us in our weariness, and He also meets us through the kindness, encouragement, and support of those around us.
Today, if you’re feeling heavy, remember this: you are seen, you are supported, and you do not have to carry everything by yourself.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

tired

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
 
Doing good doesn’t always feel joyful. Sometimes it feels exhausting.
I’ve been volunteering in one way or another since I was about twelve years old—working as a candy striper, joining a military career exploration group as a youth and later as an adult advisor, serving with various veterans’ organizations, fostering cats, teaching Sunday school, arts and crafts, and music. There have been fundraisers for youth groups, motorcycle ministry, and so many causes that mattered deeply to my heart.
And sometimes… I get tired.
Burnout doesn’t mean we don’t care. It doesn’t mean we’ve lost our passion or our faith. It usually means we’ve been giving faithfully for a long time, often without seeing immediate results or recognition.
Paul’s words are a gentle reminder, not a reprimand. He doesn’t say if we get weary—he says when. And he encourages us to keep going, not by gritting our teeth, but by trusting that God sees every act of love, every sacrifice, every quiet yes. Even when the harvest feels far away, it is not forgotten.
If today feels heavy, know this: your faithfulness matters. Even the good you can’t see growing yet is still taking root.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

just today

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
- Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
 
The weather lately feels like it can’t make up its mind. Just ten days ago, many of us in Northwest Arkansas were preparing for a terrible winter storm. Supplies were stocked, plans were changed, and we braced ourselves for what might come. Then, just three days ago, temperatures dropped close to zero again. Yesterday, it was in the 50s. And now they’re predicting 60s by Friday.
It’s exhausting trying to keep up.
But isn’t that how life feels sometimes? One day we’re preparing for the worst, the next we’re reacting to what just happened, and before we can catch our breath, we’re already worrying about what’s ahead. Our minds jump forward, trying to manage tomorrow before we’ve even finished today.
Jesus gently reminds us to stop carrying more than we were meant to hold. Today has enough going on all by itself. God gives us grace, strength, and provision one day at a time—not in bulk, not in advance, but right when we need it.
We don’t have to figure out the whole forecast of our lives. We just need to trust God with this day, knowing that when tomorrow comes, His mercy will meet us there too.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

groundhog day

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
- John 1:5 (NLT)
 
Today is Groundhog Day, a day built around watching for shadows and trying to predict what comes next. Will winter linger, or will spring come early? We look for signs, hoping they tell us something about the future.
But Scripture reminds us of something far more certain than a shadow.
Light has already come.
John tells us that the light shines in the darkness—not after the darkness, not once the darkness leaves, but in the middle of it. And no matter how heavy, long, or familiar that darkness feels, it cannot overcome the light.
Sometimes our days feel repetitive, like winter that just won’t end. We wake up, do the same things, carry the same worries, and wonder when something will finally change. We look for signs that life will feel lighter soon. But God isn’t asking us to predict what’s coming—He’s asking us to notice where His light already is.
Jesus doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. He shines in ordinary days, in long seasons, in moments that feel stuck. And even when we can’t see past today, His light is still at work—steady, faithful, undefeated.
So today, instead of watching for shadows, may we choose to look for the light that cannot be put out.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

it's not over

 

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
 
We’re already at the end of the first month of 2026. Somehow January has both dragged on and flown by all at once. It’s a natural point to pause—to look back at what this year has already held, and to look ahead at everything still unknown.
There are eleven months left in this year. Plenty of time for change, growth, healing, and unexpected turns. But even more than that, we’re reminded that our story isn’t confined to a calendar. God is not in a hurry. He is working on an eternal timeline.
Faith in the middle invites us to loosen our grip on needing quick resolutions. It reminds us that God finishes what He starts—not just by the end of the year, but in His perfect time, stretching all the way into eternity.
If this year hasn’t begun the way you hoped… if prayers feel unfinished or answers feel delayed… take heart. God is still writing. The chapter you’re in now is not the conclusion. What He is doing in you and through you is far bigger than these next eleven months.
We can look ahead with hope—not because we know how the story ends, but because we know the One who does.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

perfect peace

 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.
—Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
 
There’s a kind of peace we expect to feel after things settle—after the answers come, after the tension eases, after life makes sense again. But Scripture speaks of a different kind of peace. One that doesn’t depend on circumstances changing first.
This peace isn’t about everything being fixed. It’s about where our focus rests.
Isaiah reminds us that peace comes when our minds are stayed on God—when we choose to trust Him even while questions remain. That doesn’t mean we ignore reality or force ourselves into calm. It means we return our thoughts, again and again, to the One who is steady when everything else feels uncertain.
Faith in the middle often looks like this: redirecting our minds when worry takes over, choosing trust when fear feels louder, and allowing God’s peace to guard our hearts even when the situation hasn’t changed.
If peace feels hard to come by today, you’re not failing. Peace isn’t something we manufacture—it’s something we receive. And God is faithful to meet us when we turn our attention back to Him.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

wait

 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
—Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)
 
The weather forecasters started predicting the snowstorm early last week. Each day brought a different story—how cold it would get, how much snow we might see, when it would finally arrive. On Thursday, temperatures were still in the 50s, yet everyone was preparing for the worst. Groceries were stocked, plans were adjusted, and caution was already setting in. I even worked from home on Friday, not because the storm had arrived, but because I didn’t want to be caught on dangerous roads once it did.
It was a lot of waiting… and a lot of uncertainty.
One of the hardest parts of living in the middle of a storm is the waiting. The forecast keeps changing. The timeline stretches. What we hoped would pass quickly lingers longer than expected.
Lamentations was written in the middle of deep grief and loss—not after everything was fixed, but while things were still broken. And yet, right there in the middle of sorrow, these words rise up: We are not consumed.
That doesn’t mean we aren’t tired. It doesn’t mean the situation isn’t heavy. It means that somehow—by God’s mercy—we are still standing. Still breathing. Still held.
God’s faithfulness doesn’t always show up as immediate relief. Sometimes it shows up as quiet strength for one more day. Sometimes it looks like enough grace to get through this morning… and then fresh mercy when tomorrow comes.
If you’re waiting today—waiting for answers, healing, resolution, or peace—remember this: the same God who carried you yesterday is already holding what you’ll need for tomorrow. You are not forgotten in the waiting. You are being sustained.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

small struggles

 

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’
—Mark 9:24 (ESV)
 
Sometimes our faith doesn’t feel bold or confident. It feels quiet. Fragile. Sometimes it feels like it’s barely holding together at all.
This verse has always spoken to me because of its honesty. The father doesn’t pretend his faith is strong. He doesn’t clean up his words or hide his doubts. He simply tells the truth: I believe… but I’m struggling. And Jesus doesn’t turn him away.
Faith often looks like showing up with what little we have and trusting God to meet us there. It’s not about having all the answers or feeling unwavering confidence. It’s about being willing to say, “Lord, this is where I am.”
Small faith placed in a big God is still faith.
If your belief feels thin today—stretched by fear, uncertainty, or exhaustion—take heart. God is not measuring the size of your faith. He is responding to your heart. Even whispered prayers, even shaky trust, even tears mixed with belief are enough for Him to work with.
You don’t have to be strong to come to Him. You just have to come.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

snow storms

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
—Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
 
This weekend, the Midwest braced itself for a severe winter storm. Forecasts warned us to prepare—stock up, stay home, be ready for power outages and dangerous roads. And so we did. We planned, we waited, and then we lived right in the middle of it.
What struck me wasn’t just the storm itself, but how familiar that feeling is.
So much of life is lived in the middle.
Not before the storm, when everything feels chaotic.
Not after the storm, when the skies clear and relief sets in.
But right there—when the wind is still howling and the outcome isn’t yet clear.
Isaiah doesn’t say if you pass through the waters. He says when. Storms—literal and figurative—are part of the journey. But the promise isn’t that we’ll avoid them. The promise is presence.
“When you pass through… I will be with you.”
Faith in the middle doesn’t mean pretending we aren’t afraid or acting like everything is fine. It means choosing to trust that God is present even when things feel unsettled. It means holding on when the storm hasn’t ended yet and believing that His grip on us is steady—even when ours feels weak.
If you’re in the middle today—of uncertainty, grief, change, or waiting—know this: you are not abandoned there. God is not waiting for the storm to pass before He shows up. He is with you during.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible 

perspective

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
— Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
 
We live with full schedules, full minds, and full hearts—sometimes so full that there’s little room left to notice what God is quietly doing around us. Worry crowds out wonder. Hurry dulls our awareness. And before we know it, we’ve moved through an entire day without truly seeing the goodness placed along our path.
God is not hiding His gifts from us. He is inviting us to slow down enough to recognize them.
Recently, I was reminded of this while helping my granddaughter learn to sew. Last Christmas, she received a sewing machine. This year, her great-grandma gave her a pattern and fabric, and I offered to help her learn the basics.
What I failed to remember was that I haven’t used a pattern in years—and that both of us have very little patience. Things weren’t going smoothly. It wasn’t going fast enough for her. I was frustrated. And what we ended up with looked nothing like the picture on the pattern.
Then her mom—who doesn’t even sew—took a look and immediately saw what we had missed. She knew how to fix it. With a few simple adjustments, the project came together. That night, our granddaughter happily went to bed wearing the warm pajama pants she had made.
That’s why Scripture so often speaks about our eyes—spiritual eyes that need opening, hearts that need softening, minds that need refocusing. Seeing God’s goodness isn’t about trying harder; it’s about trusting Him beyond our own understanding and allowing Him to show us what we’re missing.
When we invite God to open our eyes, the ordinary becomes meaningful again. The small moments regain their weight. And joy—quiet, steady joy—finds room to grow.
Today, when things don’t look the way you expected, pause and ask God to help you see beyond your own understanding. He is often working things together in ways we don’t recognize until the end result is revealed.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

little things

 
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God. He is the One Who made all light. He does not change. No shadow is made by His turning.
- James 1:17(NLV)
 
Some of the sweetest moments of joy aren’t loud or dramatic. They’re quiet. Simple. Easy to overlook if we’re not paying attention.
It’s the first sip of coffee in the morning. A song on the radio that feels like it was meant just for you.
A shared laugh. A memory that makes you smile instead of ache.
Not long ago, we were driving home from Iowa after spending Christmas with family. Three cars were traveling together, using walkie-talkies so we could talk along the way. As the sun began to set, I looked out the window and noticed a tiny cloud shaped like a dinosaur. Our grandson loves dinosaurs, so I radioed back to tell everyone.
Suddenly, all three cars were watching the sky—smiling, laughing, sharing joy over something so small and fleeting. A simple cloud. A shared moment. A gift we might have missed if we hadn’t been paying attention.
These small joys are gentle reminders that God is present in the everyday moments of our lives.
God doesn’t only meet us in the big, life-altering events.
He meets us in the ordinary—in routines, in relationships, in moments of peace that slip in between the chaos.
Those moments are gifts, intentionally placed along our path.
When we slow down enough to notice them, gratitude grows naturally. Joy feels lighter. Faith feels steadier.
And we begin to see just how generously God cares for us, even in the smallest details.
Today, pause and notice one simple gift from God. It doesn’t have to be grand. Often, the smallest joys are the ones that remind us most clearly that He is near.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

joy

 

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
- Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)
 
Yes, life is hard and temptation is real.
But God.
God carries me through it all, and that itself is reason to rejoice.
Joy doesn’t always look like laughter or constant happiness. Sometimes joy is quieter than that. Sometimes it’s the deep realization, years later, that you made it through something that could have broken you. (song reference - it's been a while!  check out CAIN's 2025 hit "I Made It".) It’s recognizing that even when you didn’t have all the answers—or even make all the right choices—God never stopped holding you.
The joy of the Lord is not dependent on perfect circumstances. It isn’t rooted in an easy life or a pain-free story. True joy comes from knowing that God has been faithful through every season—through loss, confusion, growth, and healing.
There are moments when we look back and think, That could have gone so differently. And yet, here we are. Still standing. Still loved. Still guided by a God who knew exactly what He was doing, even when we couldn’t see it.
That kind of joy strengthens us. It steadies us. It reminds us that no matter what today holds, we are not facing it alone. The same God who carried us then is carrying us now.
So today, let’s choose joy—not because life is perfect, but because God is faithful. And that is more than enough.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

a way through

 
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
 
Some days, life feels like it’s pressing in from every direction. The temptation to give up, to react in anger, to lose hope, or to numb the pain can feel overwhelming. And in those moments, it’s easy to believe that what we’re facing is somehow unique—that no one else could possibly understand.
Forty-one years ago today, my dad passed away. Losing a parent is hard at any age, but losing a father at fifteen—right in the middle of those formative years—was especially difficult. That steady presence, that guidance, was suddenly gone. My brother, who was nine years older than me, stepped in and did his best to help raise me, and I will always be grateful for that. Still, I didn’t always make the best decisions.
As a teenager growing up in the 1980s, temptation seemed to be everywhere. There were so many moments where things could have gone very differently for me. Looking back now, I can clearly see how easily one choice, one reaction, or one wrong turn could have changed the entire course of my life.
But God gently reminds us that we are not alone. Our struggles are common. They’re part of living in a broken world. And while that doesn’t make them easy, it does mean we’re not alone in them.
More importantly, we are reminded of something solid and unchanging: God is faithful. He sees the pressure we’re under. He knows our limits—even when we don’t. And He promises that He will never leave us trapped or without hope.
Sometimes the “way out” isn’t a dramatic escape. Sometimes it’s strength to endure one more moment, wisdom to pause before reacting, or peace that settles our hearts just enough to keep going. The victory may not look like avoiding the struggle, but walking through it with God’s help.
Today, if you feel stretched thin or tempted to quit, take heart. God has not abandoned you here. He is already making a way—often quietly, often patiently—right where you are.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

unseen

 
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
- 1 Samuel 16:7b (NKJV)
 
Growing up, I was very sheltered. I didn’t have many friends, and I never quite fit in with the popular group in high school. That feeling didn’t magically disappear with adulthood. Even in the workplace, I found myself trying to be the “popular girl,” striving to be liked, accepted, wanted.
I once had a manager tell me, “Not everyone has to like you. Not everyone wants to be your friend.”
Those words cut deeper than I expected.
And if I’m honest, I still struggle there. For whatever reason, I still want to be loved, to feel loved, to be wanted and needed. That ache hasn’t fully gone away.
The Bible tells us about a woman who knew that ache well—Leah.
Leah was overlooked. She was the second choice. She was the one who felt unseen, unwanted, and quietly endured life in the background. Leah’s entire life was measured by comparison. Rachel was chosen by appearance. Rachel was loved openly, celebrated easily, admired without effort. Leah lived in the shadow of that comparison, knowing she was not the one Jacob wanted.
Yet Leah was chosen by God’s purposes.
Her story reminds us that God’s favor is not measured by human affection. His plans are not hindered by our wounds. And being seen by God matters more than being chosen by people.
I think that’s why Leah’s story still reaches so deeply into our hearts—because so many of us know what it feels like to live on the outside of the “in” crowd. Leah teaches us that this longing doesn’t disqualify us. It doesn’t sideline us from God’s work. It doesn’t make us less valuable. While people measure worth by appearance, popularity, or approval, God looks straight at the heart—and He chooses differently.
Leah may not have been chosen by people, but she was seen by God.
And that made all the difference.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

choices

 

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
- Colossians 2:6–7 (NLT)
 
Depth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a daily choice—one we make in small, ordinary moments. Just as we received Christ, we are invited to continue walking with Him, letting our roots grow deep and allowing our lives to be built on Him.
Even Jesus, in the midst of crowds, needs, and constant demands, intentionally broke away from the busyness to spend quiet moments with His Father. If He needed those times of stillness, how much more do we? We cannot experience God fully if we remain in the shallows, skimming the surface of faith. It is in the depths—away from the noise—where we are strengthened, renewed, and reminded of who we belong to.
As this week comes to a close, may we resist the pull of hurry and distraction and choose depth instead. A heart rooted in Christ does not drift. It grows strong, steady, and alive—built on Him and strengthened by grace.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

layers

 

The greatest sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. God, you will gladly accept a heart that is broken because of sadness over sin.
- Psalm 51:17 (NIRV)
 
Lasagna is one of those comfort foods that feels a little extra special. It isn’t just one thing—it’s layers of goodness stacked together. Sauce, noodles, cheese, filling… each layer adding flavor, each one necessary. Take one away and it just isn’t the same.
John Eldredge reminds us that our hearts are layered too. He describes the shallows, the midlands, and the depths. The shallows are filled with surface distractions—the noise, the busyness, the constant pull of life. The midlands hold our worries, fears, hopes, and daily struggles. And then there are the depths—the core of who we are—where love lives and where God’s presence dwells.
David understood this when he wrote that God does not desire empty rituals or outward appearances, but a broken and contrite heart. God isn’t interested in us staying busy in the shallows. He invites us to move beyond the surface, through the messy middle, and into the depths—where healing happens, where love is restored, and where His presence becomes real again.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

depth

 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)
 
With today’s technology, I rarely have to sit through commercials anymore. I can fast-forward and get straight to the show I want to watch. But over the years, I’ve noticed something about the commercials I do catch—they almost always promise immediate results. A cleaner bathroom in minutes. A pill to lose weight fast. Makeup to hide every flaw. An exercise machine guaranteed to “trim and tone.”
These messages are all about the surface. They point out what’s wrong, then offer a quick fix—no depth required.
So when Paul writes, “Examine yourselves,” those words can feel uncomfortable. But they’re not meant to shame us; they’re an invitation to honesty. Richard Foster said it plainly: “Superficiality is the curse of our age.”  We love quick fixes, instant answers, and surface-level spirituality, yet real transformation doesn’t happen that way.
Depth requires intention. It asks us to slow down, to stop skipping past the hard questions, and to let God search our hearts. Is Christ truly at the center of my life—or just added on when it’s convenient? That kind of examination doesn’t weaken faith; it strengthens it, anchoring us far beyond the surface.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

drifting

 

I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
- Galatians 1:6-7 (NLT)
 
It’s only the second week of January, and I already find myself dreaming of hot summer days—floating on a raft in the pool, lazily drifting without a care in the world. I’ve even dozed off in the quiet serenity of my backyard, only to wake up slightly disoriented, wondering how I managed to drift all the way to the deep end, shocked to find myself there.
Paul sounds almost shocked as he writes to the Galatians—How did you drift so quickly? That question still echoes today.
We don’t usually fall away in one dramatic moment. We drift slowly, quietly, distracted by busyness, obligations, and constant noise. Henri Nouwen described it perfectly with his images of over-packed suitcases and always being behind schedule. We rush through life carrying too much, filling every moment, yet somehow ending up unfulfilled. Busyness doesn’t just exhaust us—it dulls our spiritual hunger. And before we even realize it, we begin believing a “different gospel,” one shaped more by culture than by Christ.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

on the surface

 

My friends, here is what I want you to know. I announce to you that your sins can be forgiven because of what Jesus has done. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin. Moses’ law could not make you right in God’s eyes.
- Acts 13:38-39 (NIRV)
 
In my lifetime, I’ve attended churches of many different denominations. Some had pastors whose sermons truly hit home—messages that stayed with me long after Sunday morning. Others were… well, a little meh. But over time, I’ve realized the difference wasn’t always the church or the pastor. The deeper question is this: when we attend church, are we simply making an appearance, or are we coming with a desire to learn, grow, and be changed?
It’s easy to live on the surface of faith. We attend church, hear sermons, nod along, and go back to life as usual. But surface faith doesn’t hold us when storms come—it only skims the top. When faith stays shallow, it looks fine on the outside but lacks the depth needed to sustain us.
Paul reminds us in Acts that forgiveness and freedom are found in Jesus alone. Not in habits. Not in routine. Not in being “good enough.” Real faith goes deeper than appearances; it sinks its roots into grace.
If the Bible is going to be real to us, we have to crave it—not as an obligation, but as nourishment. Shallow waters are safe and familiar, but they never satisfy our thirst. Depth is where freedom lives.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

Choose Gratitude Today

 
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
- Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
 
After walking through hard seasons, fresh starts, surrender, and learning to find peace, it’s easy to think gratitude should come naturally by now. But the truth is, gratitude is often a choice — especially on ordinary days, or days that still carry a little heaviness.
I love that this verse doesn’t pretend every day will be easy. It simply reminds us that this day — the one we are standing in right now — was made by God. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today. And sometimes rejoicing starts with nothing more than recognizing that God is still present, still working, still faithful.
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hard. It means choosing to notice what’s good alongside it. A quiet moment. A deep breath. A shared laugh. A reminder that we are still here, still loved, still held by God’s grace.
As this week comes to a close, my prayer is not that life suddenly becomes perfect, but that our eyes stay open to the small blessings God places in front of us each day. Even after difficult seasons, even while waiting, even when peace feels fragile — gratitude anchors us and gently turns our hearts back toward hope.
Join me in thanking God for this day. Help us see it as a gift, even when it doesn’t look the way we expected. Ask God yo teach us to choose gratitude, to notice His goodness, and to rejoice in His faithfulness — one day at a time.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

Peace in the waiting

 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT)
 
I’ll be the first to admit — patience does not come naturally to me. The tiniest inconvenience can trigger frustration, anger, or a full-blown meltdown if I’m not careful. In those moments, peace can feel like a foreign concept, something meant for other people who seem calmer and more put together.
Paul’s words in Philippians remind me that peace isn’t something we’re expected to manufacture on our own. It begins when we stop carrying everything ourselves and start handing it over to God — even the small things that feel embarrassing to pray about. Especially those things.
I’ve noticed that when my patience is thin, gratitude is usually missing. When I slow down enough to thank God for what He has already done, my perspective starts to shift. The situation may not change right away, but my heart does. Gratitude creates space for peace to enter, even when my emotions are loud.
Waiting will always test us. But patience grows when we trust that God is still working, even in the pauses. Peace follows when we remember that God’s presence is not dependent on our mood or our circumstances — He meets us right in the middle of the mess.
God knows how quickly my patience runs out and how easily I become overwhelmed. But He can help me pause before I react, bring my frustrations to Him, and choose gratitude even when it’s hard. He fills me with His peace and teaches me to rest in Him, I just have to trust and listen.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

Learning to Let Go

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
- Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT)
 
Trust doesn’t come easily, especially when life has taught us to brace for the unexpected. After hard seasons, fresh starts, and big changes, surrender can feel like the most difficult step of all. We like plans. We like control. We like knowing how things will turn out.
But Proverbs gently reminds us that trust begins when we stop leaning on our own understanding. That’s not easy for people who like to be prepared, responsible, and strong. Surrender feels risky because it requires us to loosen our grip and admit we don’t have all the answers — and maybe never will.
What I’m learning is that surrender isn’t giving up; it’s giving over. It’s choosing to place the weight of our worries, our plans, and our “what ifs” into God’s hands, one decision at a time. Trust grows not when life makes sense, but when we decide to keep seeking Him anyway.
When we let go, God doesn’t leave us wandering. He promises to guide our steps. The path may not look like what we imagined, but it will always lead us closer to Him. We have to trust Him with our whole heart, even when we don't understand the path ahead.  We need to let Him help us release control and surrender our plans to Him.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

A Fresh Start

 
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
 
There’s something about a new year that makes us crave a fresh start. This weekend, I finally tackled a daunting task — I emptied my closet for the first time since we bought our house in 2005. Every shelf, every hanger, every corner. Four garbage bags went out, a large box of clothes was given away, and with the help of my handsome and amazing husband, I ended up with a complete closet makeover.
As I stood there looking at the fresh, organized space, I realized how much I needed that reset — not just in my closet, but in my heart. Sometimes we hang onto things simply because they’ve been there for so long. Old habits, old worries, old hurts. They pile up quietly until the space meant for something new feels cramped and cluttered.
Paul’s words remind us that in Christ, we are not defined by what we used to be. The old is gone, and something new has begun. But just like cleaning out a closet, that transformation doesn’t always happen without effort. We have to be willing to let go — even of things that once felt comfortable or familiar.
A fresh start doesn’t require perfection. It simply requires surrender. When we trust God enough to release the old, He faithfully fills the space with what we truly need for the season ahead.
Aren't we blessed to have a father that makes all things new? With His help we can release what no longer belongs in our lives and embrace the new work He is doing in us.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

Hope After a Hard Season

 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 15:13 (NIV)
 
Hard seasons have a way of changing us. For some of the people I love, this season has included the loss of a family member — a kind of pain that settles deep in the heart. The holidays can be difficult enough on their own, but grieving a loved one during this time is especially devastating. Joy feels out of place, traditions feel heavier, and the world seems to move on far too quickly.
Hope can feel risky after disappointment and loss. It’s easier to protect our hearts than to believe again. But Scripture reminds us that hope doesn’t come from having everything figured out — it comes from trusting the God who does.
What stands out to me in this verse is that hope overflows. It isn’t something we scrape together on our own. It’s something God fills us with when we place our trust back in Him, even if our faith feels small or shaky right now.
If you’re coming out of a hard season, hear this: you don’t have to rush your healing. You don’t have to pretend you’re fine. God meets us right where we are and gently replaces heaviness with peace, little by little. Hope doesn’t mean the pain never happened — it means it doesn’t get the final word.
The Lord knows the seasons that have worn us down and the grief that still lingers. He will draw near to those who are mourning, especially when the days feel heavier than the rest. Our God will fill our hearts with His hope again — not because life is easy, but because He is faithful.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

Walking It Out

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

- Colossians 2:6–7 (NLT)
 
January 2nd doesn’t come with fireworks or fresh-page excitement. It’s quieter. More ordinary. This is the day where routines begin to return, alarms get set, and we step back into the responsibilities waiting for us.
And honestly? This is where faith really lives.
These verses remind us that following Jesus isn’t about dramatic moments—it’s about continuing. Continuing to walk with Him. Continuing to trust Him. Continuing to let our roots grow deeper, even when nothing feels new or exciting.
Roots grow underground, unseen. Slowly. Faith often works the same way. Day by day, choice by choice, we allow our lives to be built on Him—not just in moments of celebration, but in the everyday faithfulness of showing up.
As this year begins to take shape, may we focus less on perfection and more on consistency. Walking with Jesus today the same way we did yesterday. Trusting that growth is happening, even when we can’t see it yet.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

New Year, Same Faithful God

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
- Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
 
A new year often arrives with expectations. Fresh starts. Big plans. Bold resolutions. We feel pressure to reinvent ourselves overnight, as if flipping the calendar magically changes everything.
But God’s promise of something new isn’t rushed or loud.
Sometimes the “new thing” begins quietly—like a seed just breaking through the soil. We may not fully see it yet, but God is already at work, preparing paths where we felt stuck and bringing refreshment to places that have felt dry for far too long.
What I love about this verse is that it doesn’t say we are doing a new thing. God is. Our role isn’t to force change or have the whole year mapped out—it’s to stay attentive, to notice His movement, and to trust Him one step at a time.
As this new year begins, may we release the pressure to be perfect and instead choose to be present. God is already ahead of us, making a way. We only need to see what He is doing, to open our eyes to the new things He brings to life and have the courage to follow where He leads us.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible