starting over

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)
 
Yesterday, I watched a movie about two brothers whose family came to America hoping for a fresh start. By the end of the movie, war had taken their home and livelihood, and they faced the challenge of starting over once again.
I could relate.
In 2001, Randy lost his job. Six months later, after losing nearly everything, we packed up what little we had left and moved 500 miles away to Arkansas for a new opportunity.
Then, in 2025, we found ourselves facing another unexpected beginning. This time, we were better prepared, and the road to recovery wasn't quite as long. But one thing hadn't changed. Starting over was still hard.
Sometimes we choose a new beginning. Other times, circumstances choose it for us. Either way, we don't always know what lies ahead.
But God does.
Isaiah reminds us that God can make a way even in the wilderness. What looks like the end of one chapter may be the beginning of something we cannot yet imagine.
Starting over doesn't mean starting without hope. It means trusting the One who already knows the way forward.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

who, not why

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.
— Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)
 
Have you ever prayed for something, absolutely believing that God could make it happen, only to discover that His answer wasn't what you hoped for? Sometimes we pray with such confidence that we can almost picture how everything is going to work out. We've already imagined the happy ending! But then things take a completely different turn. We know God is capable of doing amazing things. We've read about His miracles, we've seen His faithfulness, and we believe in His power.
But what happens when He doesn't do what we ask?
There's a difference between having faith in what God can do and trusting Him with what He chooses to do.
Faith says, “God, I know You CAN.” Trust says, “But even if You DON'T, I know You'll still be God.”
That's not always easy, is it? We want answers. We want explanations. We want to understand why things happen the way they do. But Isaiah reminds us to trust in the Lord forever because He is our eternal Rock. Rocks don't shift with the weather, and God's character doesn't change with our circumstances.
Trusting God doesn't mean we understand what He's doing. It means we know WHO we're trusting. Surrendering to God doesn't mean giving up hope or stopping our prayers. It means recognizing that His wisdom reaches far beyond our understanding.
So when life doesn't go according to plan, instead of getting caught up in asking WHY, let's keep our focus on WHO. Because even when we don't know what God is doing, we can trust who He is.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

heart's desire

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
— 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
 
What's your heart's desire?
Maybe it's a new job, financial security, better health, or simply a little peace and quiet. We all have things we long for, things we hope will someday become reality. But have you ever stopped to consider what God's heart desires?
During a recent sermon, I was reminded that God's desire has been clear from the very beginning. He wants people to know Him, to experience His love, and to receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
And He's given us a part in sharing that Good News.
Here's the thing, though. We have a tendency to put things off. We'll share our faith when we feel more confident. We'll invite someone to church when the timing is right. We'll talk about Jesus when the opportunity presents itself.
But what if the opportunity is already here?
We are living in the RIGHT NOW.
Peter reminds us that God is patient because He doesn't want anyone to perish. Every day He gives us is another opportunity to share His love with someone who may not know Him.
God is patient. We shouldn't be complacent.
Sharing the Good News doesn't always require a sermon or a perfectly memorized Scripture. Sometimes it begins with a conversation, an act of kindness, or simply telling someone what Jesus has done in our lives. We don't have to have all the answers. We just have to be willing to share the One who does.
God's heart's desire hasn't changed. The question is, what are we doing about it right now?
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

check your motives

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
— Proverbs 16:2 (NIV)
 
Have you ever stopped to think about WHY you do the things you do? Not just the big decisions, but the little everyday things. Why did you say what you said? Why did you react the way you did? Were you genuinely trying to help someone, or were you trying to prove a point? Did you offer advice because it was needed, or because you wanted to show how much you know?
Ouch! Those questions can sting a little!
The truth is, we can do the right thing for the wrong reasons. We can offer a compliment because we mean it, or because we want something in return. We can apologize because we're genuinely sorry, or simply because we want to end an argument. And sometimes we're so good at justifying our actions that we convince ourselves our intentions are perfectly innocent!
Proverbs 16:2 reminds us that while our actions may seem right in our own eyes, God sees what's really going on in our hearts.
It's not just WHAT we do that matters. It's WHY we do it.
That doesn't mean we need to second-guess every word or action. But it does mean we should occasionally take a good look at our hearts and ask God to reveal anything that needs adjusting.
Before you speak, react, or make a decision today, take a moment to check your motives.
Because God isn't just interested in what comes out of our hearts. He's interested in what's going on inside them.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

better than me

But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.
— 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NIV)
 
Remember choosing teams in grade school? Two captains would take turns picking players while everyone else stood there hoping to hear their name called. Some were always chosen first, while others waited until the very end.
As adults things really haven't changed that much. We apply for jobs, interview for promotions, or volunteer for positions, only to discover that someone else was chosen.
And sometimes that's hard to accept.
But here's something worth remembering: Everybody is better than you at something. And you're better than somebody else at something, too!
God didn't create us all with the same abilities, talents, or gifts. Can you imagine how boring the world would be if He had?
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that we're all different parts of one body. Each part has its own purpose, and every part is necessary. The hand doesn't need to compete with the foot, and the eye doesn't need to be jealous of the ear.
The same is true for us.
Someone else's success doesn't diminish our value. Their gifts don't make ours any less important. And not being chosen for one opportunity doesn't mean we don't have a purpose.
God didn't create us to be better than everyone else. He created us to use the gifts He's given us.
So instead of comparing ourselves to others, let's celebrate what they bring to the table while faithfully using what God has placed in our hands.
You may not always be someone's first choice, but you are never an afterthought to God.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

get to

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
 
Last week was CRAZY busy! We arrived home Sunday afternoon, just in time to tackle laundry and housework before heading back to work Monday morning. Every evening brought another commitment, and it seemed we were going nonstop from the moment our alarms went off until we collapsed into bed at night.
But you know what? There was a lot of good tucked into all that busy!
We GET to go to work because we have jobs. We GET to clean our house because we have a home. We GET to cook because we have food on the table. We were blessed to welcome a couple dozen little goblins for trick-or-treating, and Sunday we GET to gather with others to worship God.
I recently heard someone suggest replacing the words “I have to” with “I get to.”
What a difference two little words can make!
Paul reminds us to give thanks IN all circumstances, not necessarily FOR all circumstances. There's a difference. We don't have to be thankful for every difficulty, disappointment, or exhausting day. But even in the middle of those things, we can find reasons to be grateful.
Changing “have to” into “get to” doesn't change our circumstances. It changes how we see them.
This week, when you catch yourself thinking about everything you HAVE to do, try remembering what you're blessed to GET to do.
You might discover there's a whole lot more to be thankful for than you realized.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

hidden

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
 
A speaker last week at the CMA rally made a statement that was both funny and convicting.
“Quit being undercover Christians!”
And then he asked us to think about something: what if, at our funeral, someone said, “I didn't know they were a Christian. Did you?”
Ouch.
As members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, we wear our faith right on our backs. Those CMA colors identify us as Christians before we ever say a word. And that means people are watching.
They're watching how we treat the waitress, how we respond when someone cuts us off in traffic, and how we behave when things don't go our way.
But here's the thing. We don't have to wear a CMA patch for people to notice our actions.
Every one of us represents Christ in the way we live. That doesn't mean we have to be perfect. Goodness knows we're all going to have bad days! But our lives should reflect the One we claim to follow.
So, here's a question worth asking ourselves today: if someone watched the way I lived but never heard me mention Jesus, would they still recognize His influence in my life?
Let's make sure our faith isn't something we keep hidden.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

it's ok

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
- Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
 
I've always thought faith and trust were pretty much the same thing. During one of our CMA rally seminars, a speaker explained the difference in a way that really made me think.
Faith says, “I know God can.”
Trust says, “But if He doesn't, I'll still be okay.”
Whoa.
It immediately reminded me of MercyMe's song “Even If.” There's a line that says, “But even if You don't, my hope is You alone.”
The song reminds us that God has the power to bring us through the fire, but even when He doesn't answer the way we hope, He is still worthy of our trust. It's one thing to believe God has the power to change our circumstances. It's another thing entirely to trust Him when He chooses not to change them the way we hoped.
We pray for healing, but sometimes the healing doesn't come. We pray for an open door, but sometimes it stays closed. We pray for answers, but sometimes all we get is silence.
Does that mean God isn't listening? Of course not. It means we don't see the whole picture.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego understood this when they faced the fiery furnace. They knew God could save them, but even if He didn't, they would remain faithful.
That's the kind of trust I want.
Not a faith that depends on getting my way, but a trust that remains steady even when I don't.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

silence

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
- Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)
 
Have you ever prayed about something and felt like God wasn't listening? You pray, you wait, you pray some more, and nothing seems to change. Sometimes the silence can be harder than the storm itself.
During our CMA rally, one of the speakers made a statement that really caught my attention: “Don't misunderstand God's silence.”
In Matthew 8, Jesus and His disciples were caught in a terrible storm. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus was sleeping!
Can you imagine? The boat is being tossed around, the disciples think they're going to die, and Jesus is taking a nap!
But here's the thing. Jesus wasn't unaware of the storm, and He certainly wasn't powerless against it. He was right there with them.
Sometimes we want God to immediately calm whatever storm we're facing. But perhaps what we need first is the reassurance that He's still in the boat.
God never promised we wouldn't face storms. He promised we wouldn't face them alone.
And just because heaven seems quiet doesn't mean God isn't working.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

deadlines

For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
 
After spending five days listening to the Good News, you can't help but walk away wanting to share it! One of the speakers at our CMA rally made a statement that really stuck with me: “It's only good news if it gets there in time.”
Think about that for a minute.
We have the greatest news anyone could ever receive. Jesus loves us, died for us, and offers forgiveness and eternal life. But how often do we put off sharing that message?
We tell ourselves we'll find the right opportunity, the right words, or the right circumstances. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe when we're more comfortable. But tomorrow isn't guaranteed.
One of the things I love about CMA is that our motorcycles give us opportunities to meet people we might never encounter otherwise. And every one of those encounters could be an opportunity to share God's love. We don't have to deliver a sermon. Sometimes sharing the Good News begins with a kind word, a listening ear, or simply letting someone know they're loved.
God has placed each of us exactly where we are for a reason.
Maybe the right time isn't someday.
Maybe it's today.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

conclusions

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
- Proverbs 16:2 (NIV)
 
Have you ever had someone respond to you in a way that left you wondering what on earth their problem was? I think we've all been there. Someone snaps at us, ignores us, or says something unkind, and before we know it, we've decided exactly what kind of person they are.
My amazing husband and I recently spent five days at a rally with nearly 1,900 other members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. We enjoyed seminars, wonderful speakers, and time spent with our CMA family.
There was a low point for me, though. Someone responded to me in a way that was unkind, and honestly, it broke my heart. It would have been easy to dwell on that moment, to let it overshadow all the wonderful things that happened during those five days. But during our very first seminar, the speaker shared something I needed to remember: Take it slow. Don't jump to conclusions.
We don't always know what's happening in someone else's life. That impatient person might be carrying a burden we can't see. That unfriendly response might have nothing to do with us.
And sometimes, if we're willing to be honest, our own motives could use a little examination, too. It's easy to find fault in others. It's a little harder to stop and examine our own hearts.
That doesn't mean unkind words don't hurt. They do. But we can choose not to let that hurt determine how we respond.
Thankfully, when I shared the encounter with two good friends, they reminded me that responding with the same unkindness wouldn't accomplish anything. And more importantly, they encouraged me not to let one hurtful encounter overshadow an entire weekend filled with fellowship, encouragement, and the wonderful work God was doing.
Sometimes we need friends who will remind us to choose grace when our feelings are telling us to do otherwise.
Today, before reacting to someone else's behavior, let's extend a little grace. We might be surprised by what happens when we choose understanding instead of judgment.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

family

Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.
- Romans 12:10 (NLT)
 
Last week I only shared four Daily Breads because we were heading out of town. This week you're only getting three because we're heading out of town again!
I love a good adventure. I love seeing new places, enjoying beautiful scenery, and making memories. But I've come to realize that the best part of any adventure isn't necessarily where you go. It's who you share it with.
Last weekend was cold and wet. There was even a fire ban, so we couldn't always warm ourselves around a campfire. There were moments when we were just plain cold and miserable! But there was also laughter. Lots of laughter. Stories shared, memories made, and time spent with friends who have become family.
This week we're heading to a CMA rally, where the forecast promises warmer, drier weather and the opportunity to worship and fellowship with fellow Christian motorcyclists. And it reminds me of something I've learned over the years. Family isn't always about the people you're related to. Sometimes it's about the people God brings into your life along the way.
Romans 12:10 reminds us to love one another with genuine affection. Not just a polite smile or a friendly wave, but the kind of love that shows up, shares burdens, celebrates victories, and sticks around when things get difficult.
God has a wonderful way of bringing people together. Sometimes it's through church, sometimes through a shared interest, and sometimes through a cold, rainy weekend when everyone is wondering why they thought camping was such a great idea! The scenery may be beautiful, the adventures may be unforgettable, but the relationships we build along the way are what make those memories truly special.
You really can find family anywhere.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

black sheep

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?
- Luke 15:4 (NLT)
 
I wasn't one of the popular kids in school. I had a couple of friends in grade school, but as we moved into junior high and high school, we grew apart. I never really felt like I was part of the group. And if I'm being truthful, even as an adult, I sometimes still feel like I'm on the outside looking in. I have over 1,500 friends on social media, but sometimes I wonder how many of them would drop everything to pick me up if I fell. Maybe you've felt that way too. Surrounded by people, yet somehow feeling alone. Wondering where you fit in, or whether anyone would even notice if you weren't there.
Ben Fuller has a song called Black Sheep, and it got me thinking about what it means to feel like the one who doesn't belong.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd with a hundred sheep. When one goes missing, he doesn't shrug his shoulders and decide that ninety-nine is good enough. He goes looking for that one lost sheep, and he doesn't stop until he finds it. To the shepherd, that one sheep matters.
And to Jesus, so do you.
The world may measure our worth by popularity, friendships, followers, or how well we fit into the crowd. But God doesn't measure us that way. He knows us individually. He notices when we're missing. And He loves us enough to come looking.
So if you've ever felt like the black sheep, the odd one out, or the person standing on the outside looking in, remember this:
You may feel like you're just one in a hundred, but you're never just a number to God.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

one step back

Come near to God and He will come near to you.
- James 4:8a (NIV)
 
I have a friend who experienced something incredibly traumatic in her life. I'm not going to share the details because it's not my story to tell. But before this happened, she knew God. She attended church every Sunday. She even taught Sunday school. And then something happened that shook her world so deeply that she turned her back on God.
I think more people can relate to that than we realize. Sometimes life hurts so badly that we find ourselves asking, God, where were You? How could You love me and allow this to happen?
There's an old hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, with a line that says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.”
Even when we love God, we can lose our way. Sometimes we wander because we're distracted. Sometimes because we're angry. And sometimes because we're hurting so badly that we don't know how to find our way back.
Matthew West has a song called Back to Jesus, and the message is beautifully simple: No matter how far we've wandered, it's only one step back to Jesus. James 4:8 doesn't say we have to have all the answers before we come near to God. It doesn't say we have to understand everything that's happened or pretend we're not hurting. It simply invites us to draw near. And here's what I love most: Even when we've turned our backs on God, He hasn't turned His back on us.
Maybe today you're struggling with something you don't understand. Maybe you're angry with God. Maybe you've been keeping your distance for a long time.
You don't have to figure it all out today. You can come to Him with your questions, your anger, and your broken heart.
He's still there.
And it's only one step back.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

the road ahead

A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
- Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
 
We're heading out on a little camping adventure, and I'm looking forward to getting away for a few days! There's something exciting about packing up and hitting the road. We know where we're going, we've made our plans, and we have a pretty good idea of what the adventure will look like.
But if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that adventures don't always go according to plan! Sometimes you take a wrong turn and discover something beautiful. Sometimes the weather changes your plans. And sometimes the most memorable part of a trip is something you never expected.
Life works that way, too. We make plans for our careers, our families, our futures. We have an idea of where we want to go and how we intend to get there.
But God sees the whole road, including the curves, detours, and unexpected destinations we can't see yet. We don't have to know every turn in the road when we trust the One who's guiding us.
So here's to new adventures, unexpected blessings, and trusting God with whatever lies around the next bend!
 
Hey, I thought I should let you know, I will be taking Friday off while we're camping but I'll be back Monday!
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

25¢

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
- Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
 
Last November, the U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies. It was costing 3.69¢ to make a coin worth just 1¢!  
Pennies are still legal tender, but cash transactions may now be rounded to the nearest nickel when exact change isn't available. There's your little currency lesson for today. Now, here's why I brought it up:
Last week, we stopped at a convenience store for fuel and a soda. The soda was $2.29, so I handed the cashier three dollars. With the rounding, I expected 70¢ back. He handed me some quarters, and off we went. When I looked down, I realized he'd given me four quarters. Now, I'm the first to admit that I don't do math, but even I knew that was too much change!
I turned around, went back inside, and handed him one of the quarters. He seemed genuinely surprised that I'd come back to return it, it was only 25¢. But it wasn't mine.
Paul reminds us to do good whenever we have the opportunity. Sometimes those opportunities are big, life-changing moments. Other times, they're as small as a quarter.
Doing the right thing isn't about how much it costs. It's about who we are when we have the choice.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible 

take heart

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
- John 16:33 (NIV)
 
Some days, I wonder what in the world is happening to our world. Turn on the television, scroll through social media, or read the headlines, and there's no shortage of things to worry about. Conflict, anger, division, uncertainty. Sometimes it feels like the bad news just keeps coming.
It's enough to make anyone weary. But Jesus gives us a beautiful reminder: Take heart!
Notice He doesn't say life will be easy. In fact, He tells us quite plainly that we WILL have trouble. That's not exactly the comforting part of the verse, is it? The comfort comes in what He says next.
“I have overcome the world.”
We may not be able to change everything happening around us, but we can choose where we place our hope. Not in politicians, headlines, or circumstances, but in the One who has already overcome it all.
The world may be uncertain, but God isn't.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

I will

I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.
- Ezekiel 36:27 (NKJV)
 
Two little words caught my attention when a friend sent me this verse last week – “I will”.
Not I might. Not I'll think about it. Not even I'll try. I will.
How often do we make promises with the best intentions, only to find that life gets in the way? We forget, we get distracted, or circumstances change.
But when God says, "I will," He means it. And what a beautiful promise this is! God doesn't just give us a list of rules and expect us to figure everything out on our own. He promises to put His Spirit within us, guiding us, strengthening us, and helping us walk in His ways.
We won't always get everything right. We'll stumble, make mistakes, and occasionally head in the wrong direction. But we don't have to walk this journey alone.
God's Spirit is within us, and His faithfulness doesn't depend on our ability to be perfect.
He said, "I will." And that's a promise we can trust.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

from my driveway

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
- Genesis 9:13 (NIV)
 
Last Thursday brought storms through our area. Afterward, pictures started popping up from people who had seen beautiful rainbows—some captured the entire arc, and some even saw double rainbows.
I walked outside and looked up.
From my driveway, I couldn't see the whole thing. Just one incredibly vibrant piece stretching through the clouds.
But what a piece it was.
After the flood, God placed the rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant. A rainbow doesn't create God's promise. It's a reminder of one He already made.
And maybe that's why I love the view I got.
Someone else could see the whole rainbow. Someone else got two. I only saw a piece—but their view didn't make mine any less beautiful.
Sometimes we do the same thing with God's goodness. We look at someone else's life and see what appears to be the whole rainbow while we're standing in our own driveway holding one little piece.
But God's faithfulness isn't determined by how much of it I can see.
A rainbow requires both light and rain. I'd certainly prefer the sunshine without the storm, but together they create something neither one can produce alone.
The rainbow isn't a promise that there will never be another storm. It's a reminder that God will still be God when the storm is over.
I may not always understand the rain. I may only see a piece of what God is doing.
But I can trust the One who made the promise.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

sunlight

For we live by faith, not by sight.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
 
Last week Randy and I had some errands to run, so we went out to accomplish all the things. On our way home, I looked toward the western sky and saw a sunset unlike anything I had ever seen.
The sun itself was hidden behind a bank of dark clouds, but above them was a perfect column of golden light reaching into the sky.
Of course, I had to take a picture.
Looking at it later, something struck me: you can’t actually see the sun in the photograph.
But there is absolutely no question that it’s there.
Its light is spilling around the clouds. Their edges are glowing. The entire sky is evidence of something hidden from view.
Faith can feel like that sometimes.
There are times when I can clearly see God working—prayers are answered, doors open, and His presence seems unmistakable. Then there are seasons when I can’t see what He is doing at all.
But not seeing God at work isn’t the same as God not working.
Paul reminds us that we live by faith, not by sight. I don’t have to understand everything God is doing to trust that He is still there.
I couldn’t see the sun that evening.
But I could see its light.
Sometimes the glow around the clouds is enough to remind us that the Son is still there.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible