Glenda Inspires – Uplifting Words for a Purposeful Life

  Have you ever looked at someone and thought, "There is no way that person will ever come to know the Lord?" Acts Chapter 9 reminds us why we should never give up praying for anyone. Saul was feared by Christians. He persecuted many who followed Jesus. If anyone seemed beyond hope, it was Saul. Yet God saw something different. On the road to Damascus, one encounter with Jesus changed Saul's life forever. The man who once tried to destroy the church became one of its greatest missionaries. His story reminds us that God's grace is greater than our past and His mercy reaches farther than we can imagine. Acts Chapter 9 also introduces us to Ananias. God called him to do something that must have seemed impossible—to visit the very man who had been arresting Christians. Ananias could have allowed fear to control him. He could have questioned God's plan or refused to go. Instead, he obeyed. Sometimes God asks us to love people we don't understand, f...

  Life doesn't always go according to our plans. We make schedules, organize our calendars, and prepare for what we believe the day will bring. Then suddenly, something changes. A phone call. A delay. A closed door. A change of direction. At first, we often see these moments as interruptions. But what if God sees them as opportunities? Acts Chapter 8 gives us a wonderful example of this truth. After persecution arose against the early church, believers were scattered from Jerusalem. What appeared to be a setback became the very means by which the gospel spread to new cities and new people. Philip faithfully preached in Samaria, where many believed in Jesus Christ. Later, an angel of the Lord directed him to leave a fruitful ministry and travel down a lonely desert road. From a human perspective, it may not have made sense. Yet on that road, Philip met an Ethiopian official who was searching the Scriptures and longing for understanding. Philip explained the good news of What looked ...

In a world filled with distractions, challenges, and opposition, God calls His people to remain faithful. Not faithful only when things are going well. Not faithful only when the road is easy. But faithful to the very end. Acts  Chapter 7 gives us a powerful example of what true faithfulness looks like through the life of Stephen. Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. When he was falsely accused and brought before the religious leaders, he did not become fearful or compromise the truth. Instead, he boldly shared the history of God's faithfulness and proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ. As Stephen spoke, the crowd became angry. Their hearts were hardened against the message he shared. Yet Stephen remained focused on God. He was locked in. He did not allow the crowd to distract him. He did not allow the accusations to silence him. He did not allow fear to weaken his faith. Even as stones were thrown at him, Stephen kept his eyes fixed on Heaven. While others focus...

  Acts Chapter 5 reminds us that God desires sincerity, integrity, and wholehearted devotion from His people. It is a chapter filled with both sobering warnings and inspiring examples of courage. Through the events recorded here, we see that the message of Jesus cannot be silenced. A Matter of the Heart The chapter begins with the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who chose to deceive the early church about their offering. Their story reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances and looks at the condition of our hearts. He desires honesty and genuine faith rather than empty displays of devotion. The Gospel Continues to Spread Despite growing opposition, the apostles continued performing signs and wonders among the people. Many came to faith in Jesus Christ as the church continued to grow. The religious leaders, filled with jealousy, had the apostles arrested in an attempt to stop their ministry. But God's plans could not be hindered. Choosing Obedience Over Fear An angel of ...

  Acts Chapter 4 reminds believers that following Jesus Christ will not always be easy. The early disciples faced questioning, threats, and opposition because they boldly shared the gospel. Yet even under pressure, they refused to remain silent about what God had done. Standing Firm in Faith After the healing of the lame man, Peter and John were arrested and brought before religious leaders. They were questioned about the miracle and warned not to speak or teach anymore in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered with courage and conviction. They understood that obeying God was more important than pleasing people. Even though opposition came against them, they refused to stop sharing the truth. Boldness Through the Holy Spirit The disciples did not rely on their own strength. The Holy Spirit gave them wisdom, boldness, and peace during difficult moments. Instead of praying for an easy path, the believers prayed for greater boldness to continue speaking God’s Word faithfully. ...

  Acts Chapter 3 shows the power of Jesus Christ continuing to work through His disciples after His resurrection and ascension. What begins with a man asking for money becomes a powerful testimony of healing, faith, and the authority found in the name of Jesus . A Man in Need Peter and John were going to the temple at the hour of prayer when they encountered a man who had been lame from birth. Every day he was laid at the temple gate called Beautiful, asking others for help. When he saw Peter and John , he expected to receive money. But God had something greater waiting for him. The Power in the Name of Jesus Peter said to the man: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Immediately, the man received strength in his feet and ankles. He stood, walked, leaped, and praised God . This miracle was not done through human power. It was done through faith in the name of Jesus Christ. A Witness to the Pe...

    Acts Chapter 2 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible. It marks the coming of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the early church . What Jesus promised in Acts Chapter 1 now becomes a reality as believers are filled with power from Heaven . The Day of Pentecost The disciples were gathered together in one place when suddenly there came a sound from Heaven like a rushing mighty wind. Tongues like fire appeared, and they were all filled with the  Holy Spirit. This was not an ordinary moment. God was empowering His people for the work ahead. The Holy Spirit gave them boldness, strength, and the ability to speak in other languages so people from many nations could hear and understand the message of God . Confusion and Questions As the crowd gathered, many were amazed and confused by what they were witnessing. Some questioned what was happening, while others mocked and accused the disciples of being drunk. But Peter stood up boldly and explained ...

  Waiting on the Promise: A Look at Acts Chapter 1 Acts Chapter 1 marks an important transition in Scripture. Jesus had risen from the dead and spent time with His disciples . He taught and prepared them for what was to come. Before ascending into Heaven, He gave them instructions and a promise that would change everything. The Continuing Work of Jesus Luke begins Acts by reminding Theophilus of all that Jesus began to do and teach. This chapter serves as a bridge between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the beginning of the early church. Even though Jesus would soon ascend into Heaven , His work was far from over. The Promise of the Holy Spirit Jesus instructed the disciples not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit . The disciples were lookin g for immediate answers about the Kingdom , but understand that they would need spiritual power before stepping into their assignment. This reminds belie...

  John Chapter 21 gives us a beautiful picture of the love, patience, and restoration of Jesus after His resurrection. The disciples had experienced fear, disappointment, and uncertainty, yet Jesus met them right where they were and reminded them that their purpose was still alive. Back to the Familiar After everything that had happened, several of the disciples returned to fishing. It was familiar territory for them. But after fishing all night, they caught nothing. How often do we return to what feels comfortable when we are uncertain about what comes next? Yet even in those moments, Jesus still comes looking for us. Jesus on the Shore As morning came, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples did not recognize Him at first. He told them to cast the net on the right side of the ship, and suddenly the net was filled with fish. This miracle reminded them who He was. Jesus was showing them that without Him, their efforts would always come up empty, but with Him, there is p...

John chapter 20 reveals one of the most powerful moments in Scripture, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What begins in sorrow quickly turns into hope, as those closest to Him begin to realize that He is alive. The Empty Tomb Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She found that the stone had been rolled away. At first, there was confusion and grief. She believed someone had taken away the body of Jesus.  How often do we misunderstand what God is doing in our lives?  What looks like loss can actually be the beginning of something greater. Jesus Calls Her by Name As Mary stood weeping, Jesus appeared to her but she did not recognize Him at first. It wasn’t until He called her by name that she knew it was Him. This moment is deeply personal. Jesus didn’t just rise. He revealed Himself in a personal way. The same is true today. He knows each of us by  name and meets us where we are. Peace in the Midst of Fear Later, the disciples were gathered behind...

  Love is one of the most powerful emotions we can experience. It brings connection, healing, and purpose. But true love is not just a feeling. It is a reflection of God Himself. What the Bible Says About Love The Bible teaches us that love begins with God. 1 John 4:7-8 says: Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. This shows us that love is not just something God gives us. It is who He truly is. John 13:34 says: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. We are called to love others the same way Christ loves us. He loves us with patience, kindness, and grace. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says: 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evi...

  Life is full of surprises. Some surprises bring joy and excitement, while others come unexpectedly and may leave us feeling unsettled or unsure. As believers, we are called to respond to every situation. Whether it's a good or challenging situation, we are to respond with wisdom, grace, and trust in God. What the Bible Says About Life’s Unexpected Moments The Bible reminds us that nothing catches God off guard, not even when it surprises us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Even when something unexpected happens, we are called to trust God, knowing He is still in control. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: This reminds us that every moment, whether it's planned or unplanned, it has a purpose in God’s timing. Handling Unwanted Surprises Not every surprise feels good. Some ma...

Fear is something we all experience at times. It can come suddenly or linger quietly in the background of our lives. But as believers, we are reminded that fear does not come from God . Instead, He calls us to walk in faith, strength, and peace. What the Bible Says About Fear The Bible makes it clear that fear is not part of the spirit God has given us. 2 Timothy 1:7 says: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. This verse reminds us that fear is not from God . He has given us power to stand, love to overcome, and a sound mind to remain steady. Isaiah 41:10 says : Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. God’s presence is our comfort. We are never alone, no matter what we face. Psalm 56:3 says: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Even when fear arises, we have a choice to trust in ...

  Joy is more than a fleeting feeling. It is a deep, spiritual strength that comes from our relationship with God . The world’s happiness may change with circumstances, but the joy of the Lord remains steady and true. What the Bible Says About Joy The Bible teaches us that joy is not dependent on what we go through, but on who God is. The latter part of Nehemiah 8:10 says, "…for the joy of the LORD is your strength." This reminds us that joy is not something we can manufacture. It is given to us by God and it becomes our strength in difficult times. Psalm 16:11 says: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. True joy is found in the presence of God . When we draw near to Him, our hearts are filled beyond what the world can offer. John 15:11 says: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Jesus desires for us to live in the fullness o...