The Extraordinary Inspirational Bible

There is nothing more extraordinary than the Bible. The Bible spans thousands of years in time, is written by at least 40 different people and is a cohesive work unlike any other book in history. It is a pattern book, it is a history book, and it is a book of inspiration. There are thousands of passages that can be looked to for inspiration, some are old standards, and others are a little off the beaten path. The following passages have been recently added to my list of favorite inspirational Bible verses.

Isaiah 40:9-15

The book of Isaiah contains many beautiful passages, but one of the most beautiful chapters in the book is chapter 40. The beginning of the chapter speaks about John the Baptist, the one who was "the voice crying in the wilderness," the one who was the forerunner of the Christ, and while this is a beautiful prophetic thought, perhaps the versus that follow are even more beautiful. Verses 9-15 speak about the great and strong hand of the Lord. These verses emphasize the greatness of God, as well as His care for humanity.

"O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing." - Isaiah 40: 9-15

Galatians 3:26-29

One of my favorite songs contains the lines, "I'm an heir to wealth in glory, my Father owns it all, that is why I'm shouting happy, and go at His command, for I want to be ready to meet Him in the glory land." That sentiment is perhaps the anthem of my Christian life. Many years ago, I was baptized into Christ for the remission of my sins. It was about that time that I decided I wanted to be somewhere working for my Lord, and while that dream has taken me down various roads, it has never faltered. Isn't it a beautiful thought, that my gentile self can be a child of God, that there is no difference in gender, race, or nationality in Christ? Christ died for all mankind, and simple obedience to His gospel has made me "Abraham's seed, according to the promise."

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." - Galatians 3: 26-29

Hebrews 10:16-25

What could be more inspiring than to know that God has wiped my sins and iniquities from His mind. What better assurance than to know that Jesus made Himself my high priest with the sacrifice of His blood. Hebrews chapter 10 is often used to remind people that they should be attending services, and while it is certainly applicable for that lesson; it means so much more. This passage states that if we can draw near to God, we can be completely assured that He is faithful to us, as long as we are faithful to Him. This passage should serve as a reminder of all that Jesus has done for us, His sacrifice, and His covenant. It should also drive home the point that meeting with those of the Lord's body is a privilege, honor and a blessing. There is nothing I love more than being with my church family, or that I find more inspirational.

^"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:16-25