Glenda Inspires – Uplifting Words for a Purposeful Life

Our world is full of people searching for peace, purpose, and identity in all the wrong places. In Acts 17 , Athens was crowded with altars to every imaginable philosophy and belief system. They even built an altar dedicated to an Unknown God just in case they missed one. When Paul saw this, he didn't mock their confusion. He addressed their hunger saying in Acts 17:24-25 : The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. God is not playing hide-and-seek with your life. He didn't place you here by accident, and He hasn't left you to navigate this world on your own.  Whatever uncertainties you face this week, rest in the promise that in Him, you live, move, and have your very existence. Reach out to Him in prayer. He is already near. Glenda Coker  Check out th...

  The Midnight Turning Point In the Book of Acts 16:25 it says, "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Midnight is often symbolic of the darkest, most discouraging hour of a situation. Paul and Silas were bleeding, bruised, and locked up tightly in a dark dungeon for simply doing God's work. By all human logic, they had every right to be discouraged, bitter, or angry. Instead, at midnight, they made a deliberate choice: they prayed and sang praises. Notice that the other prisoners were listening to them. People are always watching how we react when life gets painful. When you choose to praise God in the middle of a storm, it releases a spiritual breakthrough that breaks chains, not only for you but for everyone around you. You don't have to wait for the morning light to start praising God. Sing in the midnight, and watch how He opens the doors! Want a deeper breakdown? Listen to the co...

In the Book of Acts 15:11 it says, "No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are .” It is easy for human religious systems to start adding extra requirements to simple faith. In Acts 15, well-meaning believers wanted to load new Christians down with heavy rules and regulations before accepting them into the fold. Peter stood up and asked a pointed question in verse 10 that says, “N ow then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ” The message of Acts 15 is clear: Jesus paid it all, and grace is enough. Are there places in your own life where you are placing heavy, legalistic burdens on yourself or others? Real spiritual maturity doesn't build higher walls to keep people out; it opens wider doors to welcome people in. Stand firm in the freedom of God's grace, and let your life be a light that leads others to His peace. You may listen to...

The Power of Perseverance Acts 14:19, 20 says,  19 "Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.  20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe." The opinions of people are notoriously unstable. One moment, the crowd in Lystra was trying to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas; the next moment, they were throwing stones at them. If you build your confidence on public approval, you will constantly be tossed around by the opinions of others. What stands out most in Acts 14 is Paul's response after being stoned. He didn't pack his bags and quit the ministry. He didn't hold a pity party. When the disciples gathered around him in prayer, he stood right back up and walked straight back into the very city where he was hurt before leaving for Derbe the next day. We all face emotional, spi...

  Acts 13:2 says, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" Have you ever wondered how to hear the voice of God for your next step? Look at the environment in Acts 13. The leaders in Antioch weren't complaining, worrying, or frantically searching for their next big plan. They were doing two simple things: worshiping the Lord and fasting. It was in the middle of active, faithful service that the Holy Spirit gave them direction. When you make space to quiet the noise and focus on God, His voice becomes clear. And when He calls you to a new assignment, remember that not everyone will celebrate your growth or receive your message, and that’s okay.  Paul and Barnabas faced strong opposition, yet verse 52 says the disciples were “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Your joy doesn't depend on how people react to you; it depends on being obedient to th...

  Acts 12:5 says, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." ​Have you ever faced a situation where every single door seemed deadlocked? Acts 12 paints a picture of absolute confinement. Peter wasn't just in jail; he was bound with two chains between two soldiers, with additional guards watching the entrance. From a human perspective, there was zero chance of escape. Yet, verse 5 holds the turning point, "but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."  ​Notice what Peter was doing while the church prayed: he was sleeping! He wasn't pacing his cell, wringing his hands, or panicking. He rested so deeply in God’s sovereignty that divine intervention had to literally wake him up. When the angel led him out, the massive iron gate leading into the city opened by itself. Whatever heavy gate or tight chain you are facing this week, remember that your job is to trust and pray. God does the heavy lifting. He is the same...