Inspiration

We have various sources for all kinds of inspiration, don’t we? Our first date place, the home of our favorite cup of coffee, that get-together location with our friends, and the list could go on and on. These places provide us with special moments, arouse feelings and memories, and often even give us that unique boost we need to push forward in our day.

But, what about your points of inspiration with God? Are you regularly seeking inspiration from Him. Do you think this is important? God thinks it is important. In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul specifically noted the work of the church and their source of inspiration.

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

We need to seek His inspiration and establish intermissions in our life where we can learn to hold on to it.

I am inspired by the Word of God. I am amazed at how it speaks to my heart and my mind. I’m amazed by how God Himself has preserved it over all of these years. I’m fueled by how it is never changing, yet constantly relevant. I love the fact that King David tells us about Adino the Eznite. He took out eight hundred armed, skilled fighting men with his sword and I had never even heard of him until last week. I love the fact that God is constantly teaching me through it.

I am inspired by creation. God’s work is inconceivable and His creativity is unimaginable. Yet, incredibly we somehow often manage to ignore its presence. He molded the Earth in His hands and sustains the universe that surrounds it. He created the place, the people, and the purpose of South Carolina, South America, South Africa, and more. He formed our physical bodies and made each one of us unique and special. For that matter, God formed our minds to think up a language and vocabulary that includes words like unique and special. He is truly amazing.

I am inspired by selflessness. I am inspired by those who stand in the back. I am inspired who those don’t want to be on the platform all the time. I am inspired by those who seek the Lord and proclaim His greatness when no one else in watching. I want to be more like that person. They don’t care who knows, who knew, or who will ever know what endless dedication they have given to the Father. They move me. I am inspired by those who seek the Kingdom first and everything else comes a far second.

I am inspired by the arts. The arts make me think beyond my norm, overcome my mental routine, and remove me from my self-osphere. I desire that which grabs a hold of my emotions, my mind, and my heart and redirects it to the things of God. As I observe, I am reminded that we are His Magnum Opus, His greatest work. We are so undeserving of His favor.

I am inspired by people. I am inspired by those using their gifts to serve the Lord in whatever means He has wired them. I am inspired at the homeless shelter as well as by the homeless. I desire the mercy and compassion of those that serve and I am reminded of my Hope through the eyes of the hopeless.

I am inspired by big cathedrals. But, not just because of its ornate design and enormous architecture. Rather, I’m inspired by a healthy reminder that God is HUGE. He can’t be contained to a building.

I am inspired by music. But, not just any music. I love music that points me toward the throne of God. Whether I am singing along with the newest Passion album or listening to the lyrics of 18 year old Leeland, I’m focusing on the glory of God. I desire getting lost in it. You know that experience, don’t you? When you surprisingly find your arms raised and hands reaching towards heaven in adoration to our King, that’s a great feeling.

I am inspired by the body of Christ. It unifies, serves, seeks His face, proclaims His greatness from one generation to the next ,and hopefully really looks something like the New Testament church. I am inspired by pastors who work at a church and by pastors who work at the Home Depot. I am inspired by brothers and sisters who don’t only have name tags, but also have a genuine greeting.

I am inspired by excellence. I get pumped up when people grasp the idea of living a life worthy of the calling we have received. Do everything, whether word or deed, all in the name of the Lord Jesus. I am inspired by cool environments that scream learn here, laugh here, and grow here.

I am inspired by the mall. Well, maybe not the mall itself, but rather the people in the mall. Not everyone is like me or even like those that I associate with. I occasionally change my Sabbath routine and worship at a Saturday or Sunday night service. I want to be reminded of how many people don’t think about God on Sunday mornings, more less any other time of the week. They desperately need Him and may not know it.

Ok, so you get the point. There are all kinds of avenues to be inspired by God. The Holy Spirit is working through His Word, through the lives of His people, in the hearts of men and women just like you and me, and in many other ways that we may not always expect. In addition, God is certainly providing inspiration in areas that we often don’t make time for.

Quite simply, we need to be inspired. Our generation is suffering because of inspiration-less Christ followers. I’m not necessarily describing to you the warm fuzzy inspiration that provides tingles all over. No, sometimes it is gut wrenching, heart breaking, and miserable. Either way, God desires to inspire you toward the call of your life—to give Him glory.

His inspiration and leading may send you to Botswana or it may send you down the hall to apologize to your roommate. Who knows? He knows. He knows your purpose as well as your areas of weakness. He desires to push you beyond the filth, the frustration, the worry, the fear, and the pride that so easily entangles.

All this to say, start making a part of your journey to seek His face and the inspiration that comes from that encounter.

Get Inspired!

Here’s a few ways to start. Have fun on the journey!

• Open the Word daily. Read it, strive to understand it, and absorb its’ teachings.
• Search for places and environments that point you towards the things of God.
• Surround yourself with others that reflect the character of Christ in their actions.
• Be slow to speak and quick to listen.
• Stop and smell the roses. No, really… smell them.
• Hurt for those that are hurting.
• Dance before the Lord, even if it means tapping your foot under the desk outwardly and getting undignified inwardly.
• Spend a little more time worshipping with the help of your iPod and a little less time engraining the newest Top 40 song into your mind.
• Go to the beach or the mountains and remember that God did it in a day.
• When you ask people how they are doing, stop and actually listen.
• Learn about the difference between fame and renown.
• Be inspired by Him.