At the beginning of a school term, I like to get to know my high school students and give them a chance to get to know each other. I could start by just explaining the class and rattling off rules and expectations. But that is not what is most important to me. Although the subject the class will explore together is visual arts, I actually teach people. My students themselves matter more than academics. To help the students interact and get comfortable talking with each other I usually conduct some sort of fun icebreaker activity. One of the questions I ask is, “What inspires you?”
Over the past few years, getting an answer to that question has become harder. Many students don’t feel inspired. I’m not sure exactly why, but from observations I feel that a sense of hopelessness from the evil and unrest in society, the residual impact of being isolated during the pandemic, and the lack of exercising their brains by constantly passively consuming media instead of actively thinking creatively and critically are all contributing factors. The art class gives them a chance to counteract this. Each day they have the opportunity to engage their brains in a fresh way, to push their comfort zone, to express themselves, to learn what makes good art, to develop their drawing skills, and to grow as a person.
Be Inspired by God
An even more impactful way to become inspired and grow as a person is to learn from God. He created the universe and all that is in it. He is the source of all that is good, right, loving, beautiful, and true. Not only that, he loves you and has done everything needed for you to know him and be fulfilled. Jesus makes that possible. He is God, the Son, who became a man and lived the life you should live and died the death that you deserve for your wrongdoing. Anyone who trusts Jesus to save them can have victory over sin and death and experience abundant life with God as a part of his royal family now and forever. Therefore, Jesus should be central to everything that you do and think. I encourage you to make him your inspiration. Confess any wrongdoing and receive his forgiveness. Then ask him to show you how to live rightly. He has revealed that in his word, the Bible. A great place to start learning how to follow Jesus is to read about what he said and did in the book of John in the Bible.
Let God Speak to Your Heart
I guarantee you that God’s word will inspire you. He will speak to you as you listen in prayer, as you read his written word, and as you discover how awesome Jesus is. I’m inspired to write this blog and record this podcast because Jesus loves me and I want to love him back by sharing about him so others can know him also. Another way I have been inspired lately is by writing songs and making music. I’m not a talented singer or musician so for the music production I have tapped into AI-assisted tools. You can listen to the songs God’s helped me create on the lightrunner.org website. I’ll conclude this note with a song I wrote this week titled, “Spoken.” Hopefully it inspires you to listen to the wonderful, loving voice of God in your life and to find your greatest joy in pleasing him and speaking of him to others.
Spoken
by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Verse 1
From the depths of eternity, God’s voice resounded.
Speaking our world into being, creation founded.
Heavens and earth, animals, and people too.
All formed by His word, powerful and true.Verse 2
God’s promises ring true, His word never fails.
His prophecies of justice and redemption prevail.
What He declares, He fulfills with gracious care.
His fidelity and wisdom are beyond compare.Chorus
God does what He says, you can count on him.
God says what He does, he’s revealed his plan.
In the Bible and in Jesus is God’s will and way.
Spoken to our hearts, if we’ll listen and obey.Verse 3
Jesus, God’s own Son, his express nature divine.
Spoke with authority, turned water into wine,
Healed the sick, calmed the storm, raised the dead to life.
His words bring hope and peace, amidst any strife.Verse 4
On the cross, Jesus spoke, “It is finished,” He declared.
By His death and resurrection, salvation shared.
Trust in Jesus, be set free from deadly sin.
Through faith, you can have eternal life with him.Bridge
Listen to God’s word, let it guide your steps.
Then speak life into others, so his truth takes effect.
As the Good Shepherd calls his sheep, seek to hear.
With love and courage, proclaim his message clear.Chorus
God does what He says, you can count on him.
God says what He does, he’s revealed his plan.
In the Bible and in Jesus is God’s will and way.
Spoken to our hearts, if we’ll listen and obey.Outro
Live with integrity, let your words be true.
With God’s help, do what you say you’ll do.
Be honest, helpful, and reliable, in every way.
Share the love and words of Jesus, all your days.